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The differences between software development managers and directors of software development can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a software development manager, becoming a director of software development takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a director of software development has an average salary of $158,853, which is higher than the $134,747 average annual salary of a software development manager.
The top three skills for a software development manager include java, AWS and architecture. The most important skills for a director of software development are java, software development, and cloud.
| Software Development Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Yearly salary | $134,747 | $158,853 |
| Hourly rate | $64.78 | $76.37 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 265,464 | 136,310 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 8 |
A software development manager is an individual who manages teams of software developers that design and create software applications and web services for clients. Software development managers should delegate duties and establish development standards for the development team as well as create a budget and timeline for the project. They must meet with management to discuss how software applications can achieve business objectives. Once the software has been developed, software development managers must train technical and non-technical end-users. They must also be skilled in different programming languages such as HTML, SQL, and JavaScript.
A director of software development is primarily in charge of overseeing the workflow and the workforce involved in the entire software development process. Their responsibilities also include creating strategies for optimal performance, coordinating with different teams and departments to identify strengths and weaknesses, implementing training and workshop programs, and liaising with external agencies, including key clients. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach new heights.
Software development managers and directors of software development have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Development Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average salary | $134,747 | $158,853 |
| Salary range | Between $100,000 And $180,000 | Between $110,000 And $228,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | eBay |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software development manager and a director of software development in terms of educational background:
| Software Development Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between software development managers' and directors of software development' demographics:
| Software Development Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.1% Female, 14.9% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| 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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 15.1% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |