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Software writer vs computer software engineer

The differences between software writers and computer 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 writer and a computer software engineer. Additionally, a computer software engineer has an average salary of $102,511, which is higher than the $82,036 average annual salary of a software writer.

The top three skills for a software writer include HTML, release notes and API. The most important skills for a computer software engineer are python, software development, and java.

Software writer vs computer software engineer overview

Software WriterComputer Software Engineer
Yearly salary$82,036$102,511
Hourly rate$39.44$49.28
Growth rate21%21%
Number of jobs218,948326,143
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age3939
Years of experience44

Software writer vs computer software engineer salary

Software writers and computer software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Software WriterComputer Software Engineer
Average salary$82,036$102,511
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $134,000Between $77,000 And $134,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-The Citadel
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between software writer and computer software engineer education

There are a few differences between a software writer and a computer software engineer in terms of educational background:

Software WriterComputer Software Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaHarvard University

Software writer vs computer software engineer demographics

Here are the differences between software writers' and computer software engineers' demographics:

Software WriterComputer Software Engineer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 60.6% Female, 39.4%Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 31.3% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between software writer and computer software engineer duties and responsibilities

Software writer example responsibilities.

  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
  • Convert legacy FrameMaker files into RoboHTML, and work with team to develop an online help system.
  • Used FrameMaker for all print documentation and produce project documentation on the companies internal website.
  • Perform configuration management and administer SourceSafe database.
  • Investigate and resolves production and UAT issues.
  • Perform configuration management and administer SourceSafe database.

Computer software engineer example responsibilities.

  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
  • Authore PHP, Perl, and JAVA scripts for various other department projects.
  • Compile for Linux and BSD Unix.
  • Develop the front-end of the application using JSP and Perl.
  • Start using Java and end up using C++ due to performance issues.
  • Assist with testing, modifying, and debugging new and existing programs.
  • Show more

Software writer vs computer software engineer skills

Common software writer skills
  • HTML, 39%
  • Release Notes, 32%
  • API, 15%
  • Windows, 14%
Common computer software engineer skills
  • Python, 19%
  • Software Development, 13%
  • Java, 12%
  • Linux, 7%
  • Object Oriented Programming, 5%
  • MATLAB, 4%

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