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The differences between software engineers 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 engineer, becoming a software programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a software engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Software Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,260 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $48.20 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 21% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 339,938 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
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 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 engineers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $100,260 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $136,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software engineer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Software Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | 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 engineers' and software programmers' demographics:
| Software Engineer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% 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% |