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Clinical statistical programmer vs software engineer

The differences between clinical statistical programmers and software engineers 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 engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 engineer are java, python, and software development.

Clinical statistical programmer vs software engineer overview

Clinical Statistical ProgrammerSoftware Engineer
Yearly salary$83,894$100,260
Hourly rate$40.33$48.20
Growth rate-7%21%
Number of jobs77,290339,938
Job satisfaction-3.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4739
Years of experience84

What does a clinical statistical programmer do?

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.

What does a software engineer do?

A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.

Clinical statistical programmer vs software engineer salary

Clinical statistical programmers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clinical Statistical ProgrammerSoftware Engineer
Average salary$83,894$100,260
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $117,000Between $73,000 And $136,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Bruno, CA
Highest paying stateNew HampshireCalifornia
Best paying companyGenentechThe Citadel
Best paying industryRetailStart-up

Differences between clinical statistical programmer and software engineer education

There are a few differences between a clinical statistical programmer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:

Clinical Statistical ProgrammerSoftware Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorStatisticsComputer Science
Most common collegeColumbia University in the City of New YorkHarvard University

Clinical statistical programmer vs software engineer demographics

Here are the differences between clinical statistical programmers' and software engineers' demographics:

Clinical Statistical ProgrammerSoftware Engineer
Average age4739
Gender ratioMale, 67.0% Female, 33.0%Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%8%

Differences between clinical statistical programmer and software engineer duties and responsibilities

Clinical statistical programmer example responsibilities.

  • Manage clinical trial validation studies and QC for NDA submission.
  • Manage the system test for the installation of large IBM mainframe COBOL, CICS, IMS software package.
  • Lead statistical analysis and programming for data service projects for clinical trials to submit for FDA approval, for various clients.
  • Develop different VBA macro tools to automate reporting and assure information accuracy, overlapping avoidance and management control.
  • Create safety and efficacy customize reports for FDA regulatory submissions.
  • Programme quaternion math library using C++.
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Software engineer example responsibilities.

  • Manage product releases, solve software bugs in a client/server environment, write UNIX shell scripts to manage development environments.
  • Manage responsive UI design, implementing complex, dynamic functionality.
  • Define continuous integration process and configure Jenkins build server to manage it.
  • Develop a python serial communication program to automate test procedures and verify proper operation.
  • Manage website/software/mobile applications by generating full scope requirements base upon PMI / SDLC guidance.
  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
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Clinical statistical programmer vs software engineer skills

Common clinical statistical programmer skills
  • Macro, 19%
  • Data Management, 8%
  • Adam, 7%
  • Efficacy, 6%
  • SAS Programs, 4%
  • FDA, 4%
Common software engineer skills
  • Java, 15%
  • Python, 9%
  • Software Development, 6%
  • Database, 3%
  • GIT, 3%
  • Object Oriented Programming, 3%

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