Data Engineer vs Software Engineer: Top Comparison Guide [2024]

Two vital roles in the technology industry are data engineers and software engineers. They are both responsible for creating, maintaining, and optimizing systems in accordance with modern business demands. While they both have a lot of similarities, these two also have many differences.

On one hand, data engineers are involved in gathering, storing, processing, and reviewing large datasets, and software engineers are focused on developing and maintaining various software applications and systems. This article will discuss data engineer vs software engineer in detail.

What is the Job Role of a Software Engineer?

As a software engineer, one is involved in designing and maintaining computer programs, operating systems, and mobile applications. They are involved in everything from planning and overseeing every aspect of software development, including developing and updating. Some job responsibilities include – evaluating customers’ needs, writing codes, updating systems, and debugging codes.

Data Engineer – What is Their Job Role?

Data engineers are mostly involved in building data infrastructure and developing systems to collect, store, and retrieve information from it. They oversee the processes that gather unstructured data and arrange it into information that data scientists and analysts utilize to get new perspectives.

Some job responsibilities of a data engineer are processing big data, constructing databases, and improving data accuracy.

Data Engineer vs Software Engineer: Key Differences

Irrespective of their differences, both these engineers have a critical role to play in software and technological development. However, there are different things that they focus on and also require different skill sets.

The table below shows the differences in easy to understand manner:

Data Engineer	Software Engineer
They build databases and systems to store, manage, and retrieve data.	They build applications, systems, tools, and websites.
It is a specialized role.	It is a broader role.
Primary users are data analysts and data scientists.	Primary users are the general public.
The skills needed to become a data engineer are – optimizing queries, coding and development, building data pipelines, distributed computing, and machine learning.	The skill set of a software engineer includes – coding, building operating systems, programming languages, data modeling, and storing information on databases.
They work along with business analysts, data scientists, data science teams, or project managers.	They work with programmers, designers, and developers.
They use popular tools, such as Looker, tableau, Apache Spark, Amazon Redshift, Kafka, Hive, Hadoop, and more.	The popular tools they use are GitHub, git, Jira, stack overflow, amazon web services, and more.

Understanding Data Engineer vs Software Engineer in Detail

Let’s look at some differences in detail for both these job roles:

#Educational Requirements

The first and foremost educational qualification is a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or a similar field. Next, the engineers should try and get a certified course, such as a data analytics and engineering bootcamp from CCSLA, to get advanced in their careers. Although a profession in IT majorly demands practical exposure, both these professions also require a strong grasp of computer science fundamentals.

Besides, a data engineer requires specialized skills, such as AI and machine learning, database management, data modeling, data warehousing, and data science. All these can easily be gained through online courses or bootcamps.

#Job Responsibilities

Two job positions have distinct job responsibilities within a company. To start with, data engineers create and maintain data infrastructures used by companies to collect and process data. These engineers assist in maintaining databases and applying their knowledge to find and rectify issues in data accuracy and consistency. They make sure data infrastructure is secure, efficient, and scalable while also focusing on the availability of accurate data.

On the other hand, a software engineer is responsible for designing and implementing software solutions. A software engineer will rarely handle databases. Instead, they make apps to meet customer needs related to efficiency and convenience. Programming language expertise is put to use in the development and validation of software, problem-solving of software, and ongoing performance monitoring of software systems.

#Skills Required

Many skills are similar in both professions, such as conflict resolution, good communication, and problem-solving. However, some technical skills and tools that they use may differ in both professions. Software engineers are required to know Python, Scala, C++, and Java. Besides, they must have excellent project management skills with the ability to work across operating systems.

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Moreover, once they design the software, they must test and perform debugging on their designs. In addition, they must also understand cloud computing and database architectures. A data engineer’s primary skill set is related to data science, such as understanding relational and non-relational databases, machine learning, database warehouses, and cloud computing.

They must also be aware of ETL systems, scripting, automation, and coding with R, Python, SRL, Scala, and Java. The most modern skill demand for data engineers is the knowledge of back-end management and big data tools, such as MongoDB, Kafka, and Hadoop.

#Product End Users

This is one of the biggest differences – who will use their end product. Software engineers develop products for customers of applications, websites, or software. These are generally internal to the organization which may or may not pay for the development and product usage.

Data engineers, on the other hand, develop products that internal members mostly use. Their users can be data analysts, data scientists, product managers, and other engineers.

#Career Paths

A data engineer starts with an entry-level job, like a junior or assistant engineer in an information environment. From there, they can progress to senior or lead engineer and eventually manager or director. With position progress, they also acquire knowledge in areas such as pipeline, warehousing, informational governance, and big data.

Software engineer, on the other hand, also starts with entry-level jobs, like junior software developer or engineer. Later, they become a team leader or senior software engineer. They can also become a manager or a director with years of experience and expertise. With career progress, they specialize in mobile development, web development, or systems architecture.

#Salary

Salaries for both data and software engineers will depend on different factors, including location, experience, and level of expertise. In general, a data engineer makes more than a software engineer.

#Job Outlook

There is a growing demand for data engineers and software engineers because of the new technical advancements, such as IoT devices, robotics, generative AI, mobile payments, and blockchain. Therefore, companies are looking for experienced people who can handle systems and data.

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According to Zipper, a popular job board, there can be a growth increase of 21% between 2018-2028 for data engineering jobs. While, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states there can be an increase of 25% between 2022-2032 in the software engineering field.

#Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities can be available in many different industries as there is a constant use of digital platforms, technology, and data in all of them. However, the job roles may differ. You will find data engineers working mostly in companies that handle large amounts of data, such as healthcare organizations, academic institutions, large corporations, and banks.

On the other hand, software engineers work primarily to build software and applications, provide software development, and maintain internal systems and can work in any industry or organization.

Data Engineer vs Software Engineer: Comparison Table

Let’s compare some key aspects between the two fields for an easy understanding:

Aspect	Data Engineer	Software Engineer
Primary focus	They design and manage data pipelines and workflows.	They design, develop, and maintain software applications.
Core responsibility	They are responsible for building efficient and scalable data infrastructures.	They create software to meet the growing user needs and requirements.
Tools and technologies	Spark, Hadoop, SQL, Kafka, and NoSQL databases are a few they use.	They use programming languages like C++ and Java, frameworks such as Spring and NET, and GIT.
Key skills	ETL processes, data modeling, and big data processing.	System architecture, software design, and coding standards.
Output	They focus on data architectures and pipelines for data analysis and storage.	They create functional software systems and applications.
End goals	They ensure the data is cleaned, processed, and accessible for analysis.	They deliver user-friendly and efficient software solutions.
Work environment	They are more focused on backend systems dealing with data.	They can work from front-end to backend and even full-stack development.
Typical outputs	Data intakes, data warehouse, and data integration tools.	Mobile apps, web applications, system software, and desktop software.
Domain knowledge	They must have a deep understanding of data processing and handling.	They should have a broad knowledge of computer science and application domains.
Professional interactions	They collaborate with data analysts, data scientists and business intelligence people.	They work with UI/UX developers, product managers, and software developers.

Data Engineer vs Software Engineer: Key Similarities

Even though both these roles have many differences, they both share some common areas as well. For instance, they both need a strong understanding of problem-solving, programming, understanding of algorithms, and the ability to work in a collaborative setup. Although they both have two separate roles, they are interdependent to create a robust tech ecosystem for companies.

Therefore, organizations looking to harness the power of data and technology in the B2B landscape must comprehend their unique contributions and skill sets.

How to Choose Between Data Engineer and Software Engineer

There are a lot of similar skills that are required to become a data or software engineer. However, their day-to-day work differs in a lot of areas. Software engineering is a perfect field for someone who enjoys building new applications and tools and can also adhere to strict deadlines.

On the other hand, if data is your passion and you like to explore data analysis and management, you should become a data engineer.

Is It Possible to Switch Job Roles?

Yes, a data engineer can change the field and work as a software engineer and vice versa. However, the latter happens the most, as data engineering is a lucrative career option with a better payout compared to a software engineer. To switch, one can undergo a data science and engineering bootcamp by CCSLA and get equipped with the right knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Irrespective of whether you want to become a data engineer or a software engineer, you must have the right skill set and experience. These fields are in great demand, and many companies are hiring professionals even without a college degree. Instead, they are looking for people with certifications.

If you want to kick start your engineering journey, explore the different courses offered by CCSLA, such as data science bootcamp, to gain hands-on experience and knowledge. These courses can prepare you for your dream career.

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