Post job

Process control programmer vs senior programmer

The differences between process control programmers and senior programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a process control programmer, becoming a senior programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a senior programmer has an average salary of $105,509, which is higher than the $67,508 average annual salary of a process control programmer.

The top three skills for a process control programmer include HMI, PLC and data processing. The most important skills for a senior programmer are macro, SAS, and database.

Process control programmer vs senior programmer overview

Process Control ProgrammerSenior Programmer
Yearly salary$67,508$105,509
Hourly rate$32.46$50.73
Growth rate-8%-7%
Number of jobs58,858209,882
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4347
Years of experience28

Process control programmer vs senior programmer salary

Process control programmers and senior programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Process Control ProgrammerSenior Programmer
Average salary$67,508$105,509
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $93,000Between $78,000 And $141,000
Highest paying CityCovina, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyBAE SystemsCornerstone Research
Best paying industry-Pharmaceutical

Differences between process control programmer and senior programmer education

There are a few differences between a process control programmer and a senior programmer in terms of educational background:

Process Control ProgrammerSenior Programmer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Process control programmer vs senior programmer demographics

Here are the differences between process control programmers' and senior programmers' demographics:

Process Control ProgrammerSenior Programmer
Average age4347
Gender ratioMale, 83.7% Female, 16.3%Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%11%

Differences between process control programmer and senior programmer duties and responsibilities

Process control programmer example responsibilities.

  • Implement and automate existing manual process, to create CRF by creating new database objects in SQL and macro in excel.
  • Play key role in developing and installing Wonderware HMI to interface to PLC and DCS systems.
  • Convert customer files from FTP sites to BCC compatible formats ensuring files meet USPS postal regulations.
  • Modify PLC and DCS systems and programs to adapt the steelmaking process to be more efficient, cleaner, and safer.
  • Analyze and correct errors in JCL and programs.
  • Process, program, and assist in set-up of CNC mills.
  • Show more

Senior programmer example responsibilities.

  • Acquire depth knowledge in ADAM, the tool which manages all the assets.
  • Install and manage FTP server.
  • Develop several small tools to automate certain processes (python).
  • Lead a team investigating carrier-grade Linux enhancements leading to a $350,000 sale.
  • Develop Perl scripts to automate manual work, dramatically reducing the overall time span.
  • Reduce previous single 26 file game into one easy to manage SWF file by making static content dynamic XML driven.
  • Show more

Process control programmer vs senior programmer skills

Common process control programmer skills
  • HMI, 20%
  • PLC, 19%
  • Data Processing, 15%
  • Control Systems, 14%
  • XML, 4%
  • BCC, 4%
Common senior programmer skills
  • Macro, 12%
  • SAS, 10%
  • Database, 8%
  • C++, 7%
  • Adam, 5%
  • Java, 4%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs