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The differences between software engineering managers and senior systems software engineers 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 engineering manager and a senior systems software engineer. Additionally, a software engineering manager has an average salary of $140,929, which is higher than the $122,275 average annual salary of a senior systems software engineer.
The top three skills for a software engineering manager include java, software development and software engineering. The most important skills for a senior systems software engineer are python, java, and software development.
| Software Engineering Manager | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $140,929 | $122,275 |
| Hourly rate | $67.75 | $58.79 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 262,296 | 359,248 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A senior systems software engineer is an individual responsible for managing a firm's computer network systems. The professional's roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Software engineering managers and senior systems software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Engineering Manager | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $140,929 | $122,275 |
| Salary range | Between $100,000 And $198,000 | Between $91,000 And $163,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Meta | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software engineering manager and a senior systems software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Engineering Manager | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between software engineering managers' and senior systems software engineers' demographics:
| Software Engineering Manager | Senior Systems Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0% | Male, 85.5% Female, 14.5% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |