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The differences between systems designers and system software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a systems designer, becoming a system software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a system software developer has an average salary of $108,328, which is higher than the $93,438 average annual salary of a systems designer.
The top three skills for a systems designer include system design, CRM and sales proposals. The most important skills for a system software developer are python, java, and software development.
| Systems Designer | System Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $93,438 | $108,328 |
| Hourly rate | $44.92 | $52.08 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 101,665 | 299,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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 System Software Developer is an information technology expert who is in charge of developing software and application systems in a company. They are responsible for conducting research and preparing detailed plans according to project requirements and guidelines, establishing test structures, troubleshooting errors, performing upgrades, and creating systems instructions for technical support. They must also assess existing systems to determine their strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a System Software Developer works in a team environment, which requires coordination and an active communication line.
Systems designers and system software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Designer | System Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $93,438 | $108,328 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $125,000 | Between $81,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Professional |
There are a few differences between a systems designer and a system software developer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Designer | System Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between systems designers' and system software developers' demographics:
| Systems Designer | System Software Developer | |
| Average age | 41 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3% | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |