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The differences between computer programmers and software consultants 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 software consultant takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software consultant has an average salary of $88,605, 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 software consultant are web application, database, and java.
| Computer Programmer | Software Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $70,979 | $88,605 |
| Hourly rate | $34.12 | $42.60 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 205,491 | 275,746 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| 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 software consultant is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the technological content and system applications of an organization, ensuring its efficiency and optimal performance. Software consultants design software systems, following clients' specifications and business needs. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems, programming languages, and system codes to create software processes and manage the network systems. A software consultant runs multiple diagnostic tests and creates troubleshooting reports for technical support reference.
Computer programmers and software consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Programmer | Software Consultant | |
| Average salary | $70,979 | $88,605 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $90,000 | Between $68,000 And $115,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New York |
| Best paying company | Silver Peak | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a computer programmer and a software consultant in terms of educational background:
| Computer Programmer | Software Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 software consultants' demographics:
| Computer Programmer | Software Consultant | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% |
| 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, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |