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The differences between software engineering managers and information technology project managers 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 engineering manager, becoming an information technology project manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software engineering manager has an average salary of $140,929, which is higher than the $106,981 average annual salary of an information technology project manager.
The top three skills for a software engineering manager include java, software development and software engineering. The most important skills for an information technology project manager are project management, infrastructure, and scrum.
| Software Engineering Manager | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $140,929 | $106,981 |
| Hourly rate | $67.75 | $51.43 |
| Growth rate | 21% | - |
| Number of jobs | 262,296 | 207,249 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A software engineering manager oversees the team involved in computer and software development. Typically, it is their responsibility to design and create software applications in collaboration with fellow skilled engineers in the group. Their duties revolve around devising strategies and designs, producing progress reports, monitoring the documentation processes, preparing presentations, and assessing workforce performance. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to meet goals and standards while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
An information technology project manager is responsible for supervising the technology department, ensuring that all tasks are being done by following technological strategies and solutions. Information technology project managers' duties include monitoring the technology team's daily operation, handling team members' concerns, managing customers' inquiries and complaints, helping team members' in achieving their professional growth, creating reports, sharing updates during team and board meetings, and maintaining effectivity of operational procedures. An information technology project manager must have excellent leadership and decision-making skills to decide on the best strategies in meeting the company's objectives.
Software engineering managers and information technology project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Engineering Manager | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Average salary | $140,929 | $106,981 |
| Salary range | Between $100,000 And $198,000 | Between $76,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Reed Smith |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software engineering manager and an information technology project manager in terms of educational background:
| Software Engineering Manager | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software engineering managers' and information technology project managers' demographics:
| Software Engineering Manager | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0% | Male, 66.4% Female, 33.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |