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The differences between research programmers and principal software engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a research programmer, becoming a principal software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a principal software engineer has an average salary of $134,230, 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 a principal software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Research Programmer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $134,230 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $64.53 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 345,893 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
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.
A Principal Software Engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of an organization's projects. They diagnose, document, and troubleshoot systems to resolve problems identified through testing, as well as implement strategies to improve integration and efficiency.
Research programmers and principal software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $134,230 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $98,000 And $182,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Retail |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a principal software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and principal software engineers' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Principal Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 87.5% Female, 12.5% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |