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The differences between 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 a programmer and a software programmer. Additionally, a programmer has an average salary of $73,007, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a programmer include java, javascript and CSS. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,007 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $35.10 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 234,565 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
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 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.
Programmers and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $73,007 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $98,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a programmer and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 software programmers' demographics:
| Programmer | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% 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% |