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The differences between research programmers and programmer analysts 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 programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a research programmer has an average salary of $80,823, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a research programmer include python, research projects and java. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Research Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
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 programmer analyst is responsible for monitoring database performance and software applications, performing basic troubleshooting, and improving program operations as needed. Programmer analysts' duties also include making adjustments on the system based on client's specifications, creating reports for any updates and new system procedures, designing specific technology solutions to improve the business operations, and performing necessary code adjustments. A programmer analyst must have extensive knowledge of computer systems and procedures, as well as critical-thinking skills to perform complex tasks under minimal supervision.
Research programmers and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| 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, 9.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |