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The differences between systems integrators and lead systems engineers 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 integrator, becoming a lead systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a lead systems engineer has an average salary of $119,705, which is higher than the $102,867 average annual salary of a systems integrator.
The top three skills for a systems integrator include architecture, troubleshoot and project management. The most important skills for a lead systems engineer are systems engineering, architecture, and infrastructure.
| Systems Integrator | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,867 | $119,705 |
| Hourly rate | $49.46 | $57.55 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 98,466 | 186,392 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
A lead systems engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the systems infrastructure and improving the stability of the operating systems to support business operations. Lead systems engineers install and upgrade software applications and ensure that the technical strategies meet the quality standards and business requirements. They also enhance the performance of the existing systems, configuring features for optimization. A lead systems engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in supporting the end-users with technical failures and identifying accurate resolutions.
Systems integrators and lead systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Integrator | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,867 | $119,705 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $138,000 | Between $90,000 And $158,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a systems integrator and a lead systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Integrator | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between systems integrators' and lead systems engineers' demographics:
| Systems Integrator | Lead Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 12.5% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |