Software engineers’ and web developers’ work intersects frequently, but the two professions differ in essential ways. For example, software engineers come from a rigorous technical background, while web developers specialise in web-based platforms.
How to prepare for a software interview
Few tech professions are more frequently confused than web developers and software engineers. To a layperson, they sound close to synonyms. But, in reality, these two job titles relate to different skills, work environments, and end products.
Read on to learn how to distinguish web development from software engineering and what skills and education you will need to jumpstart a career in either field.
What do software engineers do?
Software engineers create software products that meet the specifications of operating systems, networks, and hardware. Thanks to software engineers, we have software for word processing, organising information, and games.
To work as a software engineer, you need knowledge of computer science, maths, and a wide array of programming languages.
Software engineering encompasses researching and developing new software programs and systems, writing and testing computer code, and evaluating software products for user experience and operational efficiency. A software engineer’s knowledge and skills often include computer science specialisations such as machine learning, database systems and robotics.
You can commonly find software engineers in the technical departments of computer systems design, software publishing, and management-related companies. They usually work full-time, focusing on maintaining existing software, researching user needs, and developing long-term projects in new software.
What do web developers do?
Web developers build and maintain websites and other applications for web-related platforms. You can thank web developers for writing the code that allows websites and mobile applications to work correctly.
There are two main types of web developers: frontend and backend. Frontend web developers write the code that creates the interface users encounter. Backend developers specialise in code infrastructure that delivers data and services to the front end.
Becoming a web developer requires basic computer literacy and knowledge of common programming languages such as python, C++, and Java. In addition, these professionals should be familiar with user experience, graphic design, and database management concepts.
The most common employers of web developers are marketing and IT-related.
Web developers work part or full-time, often as freelancers. On a typical day, they may juggle multiple projects, including creating layouts or wireframes, writing code and integrating backend data from various sources.
Comparing software engineers and web developers
Web development has lower education requirements than software engineering- one of the most important differences. Read on to learn about the distinctions between these two career paths.
Required Education
Software Engineers
To become a software engineer, you usually need a bachelor’s in computer science. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s or higher. This is because software engineers are highly skilled professionals with a foundational knowledge of computer science, math and programming languages.
Bootcamps are touted as a college alternative, but for software engineers, they can be a mixed bag. Completing a Bootcamp can add to one’s skills but cannot replace the technical background software engineers need.
Web Developers
To enter the field, web developers often need little more than an associate degree in web development, computer science, or graphic design. While a computer science major is a plus, it is not essential.
The lower threshold for becoming a web developer also means that coding boot camps can give you the programming skills you need. One Bootcamp, and you might be ready for the job market.
Salary Comparison
Software Engineers
Software engineers make top wages in exchange for their technical skills and knowledge.
In 2020, the median annual wage for software engineers was over $110,00. Top employing industries such as software publishing and manufacturing pay even more. At the highest levels of experience, software engineers can make $200,000 yearly.
Web Developers
Web developers do well in terms of salary but not as well as software engineers. The median annual wage for web developers in 2020 was around $77,000.
These salary expectations make web developers one of the best occupations with lower educational barriers to employment. 10% of web developers make more than $124,000 annually.
Job Growth and Employment Demand
Software Engineers
Software engineers have a very positive job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that software engineer employment will grow by 22% by 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
As technology advances, more industries rely on software. As a result, technology requires engineers who can develop and test new software to solve emerging problems.
Web Developers
Web developers are also in high demand. BLS data estimates that web developer employment will grow by 13% by 2030, above the average for all occupations.
Mobile apps and other web-based applications are essential to marketing, financial services, and retail, so web development skills are valuable.
HELPFUL CERTIFICATIONS
Software Engineers
Certifications can help you stay ahead in software engineering by verifying your knowledge of programming language, contemporary computer science issues, and industry-standard tools. Some essential software engineering certifications include:
- Professional Software Developer Certification
- Certified Software Engineer
- C Certified Professional Programmer
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Web developers
Web development certifications allow you to increase your pay grade, role, and skillset. Professional credentialing can help you graduate from freelance work to a salaried position. Popular web developer certifications include:
- Google Developers Certification
- HubSpot CMS for Developers
- Certified Web Professional
- Microsoft Certified Application Developer
While credentialing requirements for web development are relatively lax, it is still common for web developers to seek certification to stay competitive.
NEXT STEPS ON THE CAREER LADDER
Software Engineers
Software engineers have leg room to advance in their field. Extensive software engineering experience can lead to a higher-paid leadership position as a senior software engineer or software engineering manager. However, you can also use software engineering as a launch pad to advance your technology career elsewhere.
Some software engineers switch careers to become computer or data scientists. Still, others use their industry experience to become product managers or upper management in computer systems-related companies. It all depends on your career goals.
Web Developers
Web developers can advance by specialising. For example, user experience researchers and game developers often make more than a low-level web developer. Some developers eventually work as web content managers overseeing web developers.
Web development’s multifaceted nature gives an into different areas within tech, including Software Engineering, information systems management, and database administration. Mastery of graphic design and workflow management might lead to work as an art director or project manager.
Which is suitable for me: software engineering or web development?
Though web development and software engineering share a common ground, the two careers cater to different interests and strengths. Keep these differences in mind when choosing your career path.
Software engineers generally need an aptitude for math and logical thinking, plus an interest in computer science. In addition, even an entry-level software engineer usually knows several programming languages.
In contrast, web developers do not need the high educational level and more substantial technical background required for software engineering. Instead, these professionals succeed by combining computer literacy and basic programming skills with design and user experience concepts.
Can a software engineer be a web developer?
A web developer is technically a software engineer who works on web-based applications. However, some trained and educated software engineers may choose to work in this field.
Is a software engineer the same as a software developer?
Some employers refer to software engineers as software developers. Therefore, the terms “developer” and “engineer” are used interchangeably in this context.
Can I work from home as a web developer?
Some web developers may be able to work from home, primarily if they work as freelancers. Since their work is web-based, it may not be necessary for them to work in an office environment.
Can I work from home as a software engineer?
Software engineers usually must commute to work and work closely with a team. They often need quick feedback on projects, which is easier to gather in an office setting.
Get articles like
this via email
- Join 2,800 others
- Never miss an insight