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The differences between systems engineers and systems integrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a systems engineer, becoming a systems integrator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems integrator has an average salary of $102,867, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a systems engineer include python, linux and C++. The most important skills for a systems integrator are architecture, troubleshoot, and project management.
| Systems Engineer | Systems Integrator | |
| Yearly salary | $82,834 | $102,867 |
| Hourly rate | $39.82 | $49.46 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 145,936 | 98,466 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
In the information technology (IT) industry, a systems integrator specializes in designing and developing computing systems using a variety of software, hardware, and other subsystems. To carry out their duties, they must communicate with clients to identify their IT needs and preferences, perform research and analysis to determine the ideal IT practices, troubleshoot issues, liaise with subsystem vendors, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a systems integrator typically works with a team of IT specialists and engineers, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Systems engineers and systems integrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Engineer | Systems Integrator | |
| Average salary | $82,834 | $102,867 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $109,000 | Between $76,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between a systems engineer and a systems integrator in terms of educational background:
| Systems Engineer | Systems Integrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems engineers' and systems integrators' demographics:
| Systems Engineer | Systems Integrator | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |