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The differences between systems programmers and 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 systems engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $82,834 average annual salary of a systems engineer.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Systems Programmer | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 2 |
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.
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.
Systems programmers and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between systems programmers' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |