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The differences between software automation engineers and software systems engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a software automation engineer and a software systems engineer. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, which is higher than the $102,812 average annual salary of a software automation engineer.
The top three skills for a software automation engineer include python, java and C #. The most important skills for a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,812 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $49.43 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | - | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 229,709 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software automation engineer specializes in designing and developing software and systems. In a company setting, it is their duty to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current systems and devices, conceptualize plans according to the company's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and implement solutions against problem areas. They must also coordinate with software teams, provide technical support, and maintain extensive records. Furthermore, as a software automation engineer, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks, perform repairs and upgrades as needed.
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Software automation engineers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,812 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $138,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Netflix | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a software automation engineer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between software automation engineers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 44 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |