Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Differences + More

Key takeaways

Software developers often design websites and software, while software engineers design, develop, and test entire computer systems and applications.

• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of software developers and software engineers to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034 [1].

• You can potentially perform your duties remotely when working as a software developer or software engineer.

• You can prepare for a role as a software developer by learning programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and Scala, while learning to apply engineering principles to software creation can help you prepare to be a software engineer.

Discover the differences between software developers and software engineers while comparing and contrasting their careers. If you’re ready to begin a career in this industry, enroll in the Amazon Junior Software Developer Professional Certificate, where in as little as four months, you can learn about full-stack web development, database management, Java programming, and more.

What is a software developer vs. software engineer?

Software developers, such as iOS developers or Android developers, who specialize in their respective mobile operating systems, often design websites, software, and applications tailored to specific systems. Software engineers work on a larger scale to design, develop, and test entire computer systems and application software. Software development is a subset of software engineering, with many overlapping skills and responsibilities. 

Software developer vs. software engineer: A day in the life

Software engineers may assume more collaborative roles in the workplace, working with other engineers, QA testers, and even users to determine software needs, while software developers may work in a more independent environment. Although developers focus primarily on coding, they may also work closely with other developers on specific features. Both of these careers can take place in an office workplace or remotely, as company employees or independent contractors. Both roles are critical to the infrastructure of a company, and their work affects the performance of software systems, applications, and networks. 

Insight from an engineer

As you continue to grow in your field, your interests may shift over time. "Managing projects and driving product direction is what I find to be most engaging now, but that was definitely different from early on in my career, where I really liked just heads-down grinding on code," says Julie Luo, a software engineer at Meta with four years of experience.

Luo recommends exploring various areas of the field early in your career to learn more about your work preferences before settling into a specific line of work. "I aim to shift to different projects or teams when I feel myself stagnating," she adds. "My goal this early on in my career is to really optimize for learning and experiences. Once I feel more sure about the work I'm interested in and what my strengths are, I'll double down on that."

Software engineering vs. software development: Discover the skill set differences

There are a lot of crossovers when looking at the skill sets of software developers compared to software engineers, since both jobs involve creating and developing systems and applications. Software developers and software engineers should be analytical, strong problem solvers, able to troubleshoot, and good communicators. However, some differences are important to note if you’re trying to decide which career path is best for you. 

Learn the skills of a software developer 

• Proficiency in popular programming languages like Python, Java, C++, and Scala

• Ability to write and test code

• Creativity 

• Ability to look at the big picture and small steps along the way 

• Presentation skills

• Familiarity with cross-browser compatibility

• Proficient in developing responsive web designs

• Ability to work on front-end application development 

• Knowledge of algorithms and data structures 

• Time management skills

Learn the skills of a software engineer 

• Extensive knowledge of a wide range of programming languages 

• Proficient in software development and computer operating systems 

• Proficient in advanced mathematics 

• Ability to apply engineering principles to software creation 

• Leadership skills 

• Ability to debug software and systems

• Ability to create scalable domain-specific pipelines and languages

• Ability to create the tools needed to develop software

• Project management skills 

Wondering where to start with programming?

In Duke University's Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization, you'll explore the career of a software engineer and build your skills with Java programming.

The University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization, meanwhile, will introduce you to the fundamentals of using the Python programming language.

Explore the differences in career paths

The main difference in career paths for software engineers compared to those of software developers is that software developers tend to have more flexibility and variety. Software developers may also be able to work remotely or in a freelance position more easily than a software engineer. Career paths for software engineers could result in overseeing a team of people within a company and requiring more teamwork than software development positions. 

Software developers can choose a few different trajectories that aren’t as linear as those of engineers. Developers who want to work in a managerial position may get started as a junior developer before becoming a senior software developer. 

Developers who don’t want to manage others may stay in this role and pursue a specific type of development like front-end, back-end, full-stack, or mobile development. 

If you’re interested in management positions, you can choose to pursue a career as a lead developer or technical architect, or an information technology (IT) systems architect who creates, maintains, and implements IT systems for a business. If following this path, the next step could likely be as a development team lead or software development manager, and finally director, vice president, or chief technology officer. 

Opportunities for software engineers: What and when

Up to three years: Software engineers just entering the profession might spend up to three years building, launching, and debugging systems or applications as entry-level software engineers. 

Three to five years: The next step is senior software engineer, where you might branch out into overseeing other engineers. 

Six to nine years: From here, you may want to move into a tech lead position, which requires between six and nine years of experience. This is a managerial role, so you’ll likely have a team of people to manage. 

13+ years: At this point, as an engineering manager or VP of engineering, you may have ownership over processes or products. Individuals in these roles usually have upwards of 13+ years of experience in the industry. They can potentially have the opportunity to become a chief technology officer (CTO), which is the highest technology executive position in a company. These individuals are in charge of an organization's research and development (R&D) and oversee an entire organization’s technological needs.

Read more: Software Developer Career Path: How to Qualify, Develop, and Build Your Career

The job outlook for each field

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics places both software developers and software engineers in the same category when assessing the job outlook for each field. 

Employment of software developers and software engineers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034 [1]. About 129,200 openings for software developers, software engineers, and related jobs are projected each year, on average, over the decade [1]. 

The future looks promising for these career paths as demand builds for software developers' and engineers' skills and knowledge. As technology advances and the need for innovative software grows, so does the need for people who can design, create, build, and implement computer systems and application software. 

Software developer vs. software engineer salary

The median total salary for software developers working in the US is $121,000, with a range between $95,000 and $155,000 [2]. The median total salary for software engineers working in the United States is $148,000, with a range of between $118,000 and $188,000 [3]. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. Factors such as location, industry, experience, and company can all play a role in salary.

Pursuing certificates or degrees

As of 2025, 73 percent of software engineers and software developers working in the US hold a bachelor’s degree, and 20 percent have a master’s degree [4]. An associate degree in information technology or computer science can provide access to some entry-level jobs, but some employers may request a bachelor's degree for software engineers.

For software developers, employers may require a degree in software development or related fields, such as computer science, computer programming, and other relevant disciplines. Earning a master’s degree for either role allows you to pursue research, management, and information security careers.

However, online courses, certifications, and boot camps can help prepare you for an entry-level role and provide the experience you need to excel. Pursuing these types of credentials is also an effective way for working professionals to expand their knowledge base and advance to the next career stage. Some software development and engineering careers may require certifications before working with certain vendors and platforms. Here are a few computer science and IT-related resources you can use to explore your options for earning employer-recognized credentials:

• IT Certifications and Courses to Elevate Your Career

• 10 Essential IT Certifications

• 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

• Are IT Certifications Worth It? When to Get Certified in Your IT Career

Have career questions? We have answers.

Subscribe to Coursera Career Chat on LinkedIn to receive our weekly, bite-sized newsletter for more work insights, tips, and updates from our in-house team.

Keep up with trends and job opportunities in software development and engineering

To stay current on trends and job opportunities in software development and engineering, subscribe to Coursera's YouTube channel. Check out these other free resources too:

• Find your path: Climbing the Code Ladder: Mapping Your Software Engineering Career Path

• Enhance your skills: How One Software Developer’s Leadership Aspirations Led Her to Graduate School

• Earn a certification: 5 popular software engineering certifications

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.