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The differences between systems designers and lead engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a systems designer and a lead engineer. Additionally, a systems designer has an average salary of $93,438, which is higher than the $84,927 average annual salary of a lead engineer.
The top three skills for a systems designer include system design, CRM and sales proposals. The most important skills for a lead engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Systems Designer | Lead Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $93,438 | $84,927 |
| Hourly rate | $44.92 | $40.83 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 101,665 | 301,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
In the information technology industry, a systems designer specializes in creating systems in adherence to the client or company's needs. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis, gathering and analyzing operational data and client feedback, subjecting designs in a variety of tests, coordinating with engineers, troubleshooting problems, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also assess existing systems and design enhancements as needed. Moreover, a systems designer may provide technical support and guidance to staff while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Systems designers and lead engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Designer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average salary | $93,438 | $84,927 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $125,000 | Between $60,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a systems designer and a lead engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Designer | Lead Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between systems designers' and lead engineers' demographics:
| Systems Designer | Lead Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 16.5% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |