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The differences between plc programmers and computer programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both an plc programmer and a computer programmer. Additionally, a computer programmer has an average salary of $70,979, which is higher than the $70,452 average annual salary of an plc programmer.
The top three skills for an plc programmer include HMI, allen-bradley and hmi programming. The most important skills for a computer programmer are C #, java, and javascript.
| PLC Programmer | Computer Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,452 | $70,979 |
| Hourly rate | $33.87 | $34.12 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 8,459 | 205,491 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
A Programmable Logic Controller or PLC programmer is a person who has expertise in the logic and language used to create such a program. This person is expected to create, develop, tweak, and troubleshoot a PLC program and enhance it to perfection. This person should have strong programming skills and all the necessary know-how to accomplish tasks outlined by the company's needs developing the PLC program. All programmers are highly essential in a technology-based company.
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.
Plc programmers and computer programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PLC Programmer | Computer Programmer | |
| Average salary | $70,452 | $70,979 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $101,000 | Between $55,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | CVR Energy | |
| Best paying industry | Non Profits | Finance |
There are a few differences between an plc programmer and a computer programmer in terms of educational background:
| PLC Programmer | Computer Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | University of Chicago |
Here are the differences between plc programmers' and computer programmers' demographics:
| PLC Programmer | Computer Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% 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, 5.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |