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The differences between software development project managers and directors of software development 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 development project 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 $106,633 average annual salary of a software development project manager.
The top three skills for a software development project manager include project management, scrum and software development. The most important skills for a director of software development are java, software development, and cloud.
| Software Development Project Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Yearly salary | $106,633 | $158,853 |
| Hourly rate | $51.27 | $76.37 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 331,412 | 136,310 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
Software development project managers are responsible for scheduling, planning, and delivering software and web projects. The managers must have knowledge of project estimation techniques and the ability to motivate team members. These managers plan out the blueprints for software projects like allocating resources, laying out communication strategies, and indicating test and maintenance. Also, they participate and supervise each stage of the project, ensure each project stays on schedule and adheres to the deadline, and discuss potential projects with clients, software developers, and executives.
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 project managers and directors of software development have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Development Project Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average salary | $106,633 | $158,853 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $148,000 | Between $110,000 And $228,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Barclays | eBay |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software development project manager and a director of software development in terms of educational background:
| Software Development Project Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | 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 project managers' and directors of software development' demographics:
| Software Development Project Manager | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.6% Female, 25.4% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| 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, 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 | 8% | 11% |