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The differences between software leaders 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 leader, becoming a software programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a software leader has an average salary of $124,694, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a software leader include java, python and cloud. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Software Leader | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $124,694 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $59.95 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 21% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 267,920 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
A Software Leader takes responsibility for the execution of his/her /her team and the quality of the team's performance. Software Leaders ensure the cadence of their team's production process. As coaches, leaders mentor and teach the people within the team. They extend help when their team needs it to remove any possible hindrance. Also, they serve as team ambassadors or representatives.
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 leaders and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Leader | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $124,694 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $93,000 And $166,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software leader and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Software Leader | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software leaders' and software programmers' demographics:
| Software Leader | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% 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% |