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The differences between software designers and software programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a software designer, becoming a software programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a software designer has an average salary of $107,449, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a software designer include python, java and software development. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Software Designer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $107,449 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $51.66 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 21% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 313,443 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
Software designers transform customers' requirements into services. They analyze customers' needs, conduct negotiations, and create designs based on that data. They typically work with teams of programmers. They are also responsible for creating project documentation.
A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Software designers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Designer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $107,449 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $144,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Globant | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software designer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Software Designer | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software designers' and software programmers' demographics:
| Software Designer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |