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The differences between systems programmers and software systems engineers 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 a software systems engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, 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 a software systems engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Systems Programmer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $107,102 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $51.49 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 370,518 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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.
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Systems programmers and software systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $107,102 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $80,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a software systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between systems programmers' and software systems engineers' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Software Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |