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The differences between research programmers and 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 a programmer. Additionally, a research programmer has an average salary of $80,823, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a research programmer include python, research projects and java. The most important skills for a programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Research Programmer | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
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.
Research programmers and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and programmers' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |