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The differences between programmers and computer 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 programmer, becoming a computer scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer scientist has an average salary of $103,238, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a programmer include java, javascript and CSS. The most important skills for a computer scientist are python, computer system, and machine learning.
| Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,007 | $103,238 |
| Hourly rate | $35.10 | $49.63 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 234,565 | 59,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
A computer scientist is responsible for analyzing network infrastructure and designing efficient computer systems according to clients' specifications and business functions. Computer scientists inspect the safety and security of the organization's database, ensuring its protection from malicious activities and unauthorized access. They also manage a large scale of software applications, identifying technical opportunities to improve optimal performance and navigations. A computer scientist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, strong command on programming languages and system codes, and the ability to solve technical complexities for conceptualization.
Programmers and computer scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Average salary | $73,007 | $103,238 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $98,000 | Between $74,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a programmer and a computer scientist in terms of educational background:
| Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between programmers' and computer scientists' demographics:
| Programmer | Computer Scientist | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% 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% |