Differences Between a Software Engineer and a Computer Programmer

by Aurelio Locsin; Updated July 01, 2018
Differences Between a Software Engineer and a Computer Programmer

Differences Between a Software Engineer and a Computer Programmer

Computer hardware is a collection of circuits and electronics that remains useless without the software that drives the components and allows users to perform tasks. Both software engineers and computer programmers develop the operating systems and applications needed by working computers. The differences between these professionals are found in their responsibilities and salaries.

Software Engineers

Software engineers, often called software developers, plan and create programs. They determine user needs, design software and then test it to ensure quality. They give instructions to programmers who write the software code. Engineers who specialize in the operating systems needed by computers are called systems software developers. Those who focus on applications, such as games, video editors, word processors and databases, are called applications software developers. They require a minimum bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science or a related field. Though they do not usually write code, they also need strong programming skills to communicate properly with programmers.

Software Engineer Salaries

Systems software engineers earned a mean $53.74 per hour or $111,780 per year, as of May 2017, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was higher than the mean wages for applications engineers and for programmers. Most system software engineers worked for computer systems design to earn $53.35 per hour or $110,970 per year. Their highest wages were in radio and TV broadcasting, where average salaries ran $64.23 per hour or $133,600 per year. Applications software engineers earned a mean $51.30 per hour, or $106,710 per year. Most worked in computer systems design to average $50.57 per hour or $105,190 per year. However, the highest paying employer was computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing at a mean $60.62 per hour or $126,080 per year.

Computer Programmers

Computer programmers receive specifications by software engineers to write the instructions or code the computer follows. They must be experts in computer languages such as C++ and Java. They can update or expand existing code and debug programs to find and fix errors. They also use existing code and computer-assisted software engineering to make their jobs easier. Most employers prefer programmers with bachelor’s degrees. However, in some cases, they will hire programmers with an associate degree. Programmers typically specialize in only a few computer languages. Certification is available from national organizations and vendors that may enhance job prospects and salaries.

Programmer Salaries

In 2017, computer programmers earned a mean $42.08 per hour or $87,530 per year. Most worked for computer systems design to make a mean $42.10 per hour or $87,570 per year. Software publishers were the second biggest employers at a mean $48.36 per hour or $100,580 per year. Their highest wages were in nonresidential building construction, averaging $58.77 per hour or $122,240 per year. This was followed by securities, commodity contracts and other financial investments and related activities, with mean wages of $56.14 per hour or $116,770 per year.

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