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The differences between validation engineers and software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a validation engineer and a software engineer. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, which is higher than the $82,004 average annual salary of a validation engineer.
The top three skills for a validation engineer include python, FDA and GMP. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Validation Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,004 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $39.42 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 28,394 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A validation engineer is an individual responsible for managing, inspecting, testing, and modifying the instrumentation, equipment, mechanics, and procedures for the production of high-quality products. The professional's tasks include analyzing test results, preparing compliance reports, and keeping updated with industry standards and regulations. Validation engineers should possess core skills such as strong mathematical and information technology skills and the ability to resolve complex engineering problems. Possessing a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is an advantage to qualify for the position.
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Validation engineers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Validation Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,004 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $107,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cupertino, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a validation engineer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Validation Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between validation engineers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Validation Engineer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 22.9% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 8% |