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The work of software engineers and data engineers is similar in many respects. Both are tech-related fields. And both professions overlap at certain points in their educational training. But there are key differences! Learn more about the roles, skills, and career trajectories of software engineers and data engineers. And find real-world tips on how to choose between the two paths.
Software Engineering vs. Data Engineering: The Short Version
The major difference between software engineering and data engineering lies in the information these disciplines handle.
- Software Engineering: Software engineers build and maintain software. Software engineers keep programs and systems running smoothly, while also designing improvements and testing performance.
- Data Engineers: Data engineers build data infrastructures. They design databases, lead data entry, and structure data transformations (i.e. transform data so it can be analyzed by data scientists).
What are the Similarities Between Software Engineering & Data Engineering?
Software engineers and data engineers require hard skills in analytical thinking, problem solving, and programming and coding languages. Python is a common coding language that is useful for both software engineering and data engineering. There are also several overlapping soft skills, including communication, the ability to work in teams, organization, and time management.
Job responsibilities for a software engineer and a data engineer are dynamic and unique to the job. Software engineers and data engineers typically work in collaborative environments. They build systems that align with an organization’s needs and may take on several roles. For example, software engineers sometimes work on software developer tasks in the initial stages of building an application. Similarly, data engineers sometimes work in the role of a data scientist and perform data analysis on data that they processed.
What are the Differences Between Software Engineering & Data Engineering?
Software Engineering
Software engineering roles may require hard skills in coding and programming that differ from data engineering. For example, experience with Java, C, C++, and HTML are common programming languages for software engineers. A software engineer might design and lead the development of websites, applications, and computer programs for an organization.
In addition, software engineers are often expected to work in agile environments. For instance, software applications are frequently updated, and software engineers must readily adapt and respond to the needs of software users.
Data Engineering
Data engineers are focused on three key processing steps, known as ETL: Extract, Transform, and Load. Their job is to get usable data into the hands of experts, like data scientists, to analyze. To perform these tasks, data engineers work with relational databases. Familiarity with programming languages to manage relational databases, especially SQL, is important for data engineers. Since crossover work between data engineers and data scientists sometimes occurs, data engineers may also need skills in data analysis and interpretation.
Typical Educational Requirements
Educational trajectories for software engineers and data engineers are similar. They are both expected to complete an undergraduate education that is heavy in programming and computer science coursework. Undergraduate degree programs for software engineers and data engineers may include software development, information technology, computer science, or a related degree.
Software Engineers
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in software development or software engineering
- Receive professional certifications from ITIL® Foundation Certification and CompTIA Project+ (these certifications are not required, but they are helpful for hiring)
- Participate in software engineering internships to gain real-world, hands-on experience
Data Engineers
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in data science, data analytics, or data engineering
- Participate in data engineering internships to better understand the day-to-day life of a data engineer
- Obtain a master’s degree in data analytics or data engineering (this is optional, but it may be helpful for hiring)
Software engineers and data engineers can pursue similar coursework at the undergraduate level. They differ in what they choose to specialize in. Software engineers focus on software development, and data engineers study data science.
Career Outlook for Software Engineers & Data Engineers
The future is bright for both software engineers and data engineers. Between 2021 and 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a 26% increase for software-related positions and 36% for those in data science. Either job would pay you well. Glassdoor estimates average salaries of ~$100,000-120,000 for both software engineers and data engineers.
Employment for software engineers and data engineers spans diverse sectors, including government, healthcare, education, social media, and tech startups. As businesses and organizations grow, so too does the demand for software engineers.
Any organization that works with data will also need a data engineer to help manage its information. According to Gartner, more organizations are starting to prioritize data to implement strategies. As more data is collected from various sources, including mobile applications, wearable technologies, and websites, job opportunities for data engineers will steadily increase.
How to Decide Between Data Engineering & Software Engineering
Software engineering and data engineering roles require similar skills, but the day-to-day work life is different. If you enjoy the creativity of building new tools and applications, and feel comfortable regularly meeting deadlines, software engineering might be a good choice for you. Alternatively, if you love working with data management and analysis, data engineering might be the better choice.
