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The differences between software engineers and software consultants 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 engineer and a software consultant. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, which is higher than the $88,605 average annual salary of a software consultant.
The top three skills for a software engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a software consultant are web application, database, and java.
| Software Engineer | Software Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $100,260 | $88,605 |
| Hourly rate | $48.20 | $42.60 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 339,938 | 275,746 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
A software consultant is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the technological content and system applications of an organization, ensuring its efficiency and optimal performance. Software consultants design software systems, following clients' specifications and business needs. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems, programming languages, and system codes to create software processes and manage the network systems. A software consultant runs multiple diagnostic tests and creates troubleshooting reports for technical support reference.
Software engineers and software consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Engineer | Software Consultant | |
| Average salary | $100,260 | $88,605 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $136,000 | Between $68,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Silver Peak |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a software engineer and a software consultant in terms of educational background:
| Software Engineer | Software Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software engineers' and software consultants' demographics:
| Software Engineer | Software Consultant | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |