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The differences between computer programmers and data 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 data scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a data scientist has an average salary of $106,104, 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 data scientist are python, data science, and visualization.
| Computer Programmer | Data Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $70,979 | $106,104 |
| Hourly rate | $34.12 | $51.01 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 205,491 | 106,973 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| 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 Data Scientist analyzes information from multiple sources in order to gain maximum insight that can give the company a competitive advantage. They work in different domains, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and finance.
Computer programmers and data scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Programmer | Data Scientist | |
| Average salary | $70,979 | $106,104 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $90,000 | Between $75,000 And $148,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a computer programmer and a data scientist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Programmer | Data Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Chicago | Columbia University in the City of New York |
Here are the differences between computer programmers' and data scientists' demographics:
| Computer Programmer | Data Scientist | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| 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% |