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The differences between research programmers and applications 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 research programmer and an applications programmer. Additionally, an applications programmer has an average salary of $85,133, which is higher than the $80,823 average annual salary of a research programmer.
The top three skills for a research programmer include python, research projects and java. The most important skills for an applications programmer are java, C++, and database.
| Research Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $85,133 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $40.93 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 215,240 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
Research programmers are in charge of the overall programming activities on a vital project or various smaller projects that may include monitoring and directing the performance of assigned staff. They utilize research methods like digital modeling, simulation, programming, and database manipulation, as well as the evaluation of quantitative data. Also, they are responsible for determining and selecting project opportunities, managing coverage, and completing project commitments. Qualifications for the job may include a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, engineering, or computer science. Also, relevant professional experience is essential.
An application programmer is responsible for creating and designing computer systems and applications according to client specifications and business requirements. Application programmers run quality checks on the draft outputs to ensure its stability and efficiency for high-level performance. They also evaluate existing applications and recommend technical solutions to improve scalability. An application programmer must have excellent technical skills with a strong command of programming languages and system codes to determine the feasibility of applications and adjust features as needed.
Research programmers and applications programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $85,133 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $64,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Dropbox |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and an applications programmer in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and applications programmers' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Applications Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 74.6% Female, 25.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.3% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 16.4% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |