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The differences between systems programmers and engineers of system development can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a systems programmer, becoming an engineer of system development takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an engineer of system development has an average salary of $112,462, which is higher than the $96,017 average annual salary of a systems programmer.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for an engineer of system development are java, web services, and C++.
| Systems Programmer | Engineer Of System Development | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $112,462 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $54.07 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 363,626 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A systems programmer is responsible for managing and installing software systems and applications to the company's computer networks to support the efficiency of business functions and operations. Systems programmers coordinate with the systems analyst to conduct quality checks and running configuration tests to ensure the stability of applications and avoid downtimes. They also create resolution reports, design servers, and upgrade network infrastructure as often as needed. A systems programmer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially the expert command of programming languages and codes.
In the information technology industry, an engineer of systems development specializes in designing and developing systems and networks according to the company's needs. Their responsibilities typically involve conducting research and analysis, developing prototypes and test structures, troubleshooting errors, studying the feedback from clients and employees, analyzing existing systems to identify areas needing improvement, and implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, as an engineer of systems development, it is essential to lead and manage teams to reach goals, providing technical support as needed.
Systems programmers and engineers of system development have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Engineer Of System Development | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $112,462 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $82,000 And $152,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and an engineer of system development in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Engineer Of System Development | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems programmers' and engineers of system development' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Engineer Of System Development | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 77.5% Female, 22.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 14.9% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |