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The differences between plc programmers and software 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 software programmer. Additionally, a software programmer has an average salary of $71,612, 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 software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| PLC Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,452 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $33.87 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 8,459 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Plc programmers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| PLC Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $70,452 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $101,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Arlington, VA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | CVR Energy | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Non Profits | Technology |
There are a few differences between an plc programmer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| PLC Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northeastern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between plc programmers' and software programmers' demographics:
| PLC Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |