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The differences between clinical statistical programmers and software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a clinical statistical programmer, becoming a software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, which is higher than the $83,894 average annual salary of a clinical statistical programmer.
The top three skills for a clinical statistical programmer include macro, data management and adam. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,894 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $40.33 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 77,290 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
Clinical statistical programmers collect data, execute statistical analysis, and analyze data sets based on the needs of the clients or employers. The programmers use SAS programming for data set development and analysis during clinical trials. They integrate data for reports after statistical analysis or clinical research. The skills they need to develop include analytical thinking, attention to detail, research, and strategic planning. They should also need to know statistical programming in clinical research.
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Clinical statistical programmers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $83,894 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $117,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Genentech | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a clinical statistical programmer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Statistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Columbia University in the City of New York | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between clinical statistical programmers' and software developers' demographics:
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.0% Female, 33.0% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.4% White, 58.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |