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The differences between software programmers and software engineering managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a software programmer, becoming a software engineering manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineering manager has an average salary of $140,929, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a software programmer include java, javascript and software development. The most important skills for a software engineering manager are java, software development, and software engineering.
| Software Programmer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $71,612 | $140,929 |
| Hourly rate | $34.43 | $67.75 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 253,235 | 262,296 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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.
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.
Software programmers and software engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Programmer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Average salary | $71,612 | $140,929 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $92,000 | Between $100,000 And $198,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Panaya | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software programmer and a software engineering manager in terms of educational background:
| Software Programmer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between software programmers' and software engineering managers' demographics:
| Software Programmer | Software Engineering Manager | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% | Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |