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The differences between computer programmers and computer scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a computer programmer, becoming a computer scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer scientist has an average salary of $103,238, which is higher than the $70,979 average annual salary of a computer programmer.
The top three skills for a computer programmer include C #, java and javascript. The most important skills for a computer scientist are python, computer system, and machine learning.
| Computer Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $70,979 | $103,238 |
| Hourly rate | $34.12 | $49.63 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 205,491 | 59,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A Computer Programmer is a specialist in writing computer programs as well as mobile applications. In addition to writing and testing code written, they are responsible for installing updates for software, debugging or improving functionality, troubleshooting parts of the program that is not functioning, and rewriting code for computer programs to be compatible in different operating systems. They also work to prevent data leaks and breaches in security by identifying malicious software and building firewalls.
A computer scientist is responsible for analyzing network infrastructure and designing efficient computer systems according to clients' specifications and business functions. Computer scientists inspect the safety and security of the organization's database, ensuring its protection from malicious activities and unauthorized access. They also manage a large scale of software applications, identifying technical opportunities to improve optimal performance and navigations. A computer scientist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, strong command on programming languages and system codes, and the ability to solve technical complexities for conceptualization.
Computer programmers and computer scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Average salary | $70,979 | $103,238 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $90,000 | Between $74,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer programmer and a computer scientist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Chicago | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer programmers' and computer scientists' demographics:
| Computer Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 18.8% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |