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The differences between research programmers and research scientists 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 research scientist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a research scientist has an average salary of $89,998, 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 research scientist are python, data analysis, and patients.
| Research Programmer | Research Scientist | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $89,998 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $43.27 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 93,013 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| 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.
The job of research scientists is to design, undertake, and analyze information from experiments, trials, and laboratory-based investigations. They usually perform experiments in different areas, including medical research, pharmacology, and geoscience. They have varied duties and responsibilities that include planning and carrying out experiments, conducting fieldwork, and overseeing junior staff members like the technicians. They are typically working for a government laboratory, an environmental agency, and other organizations. Many of these scientists also work in teams and support staff.
Research programmers and research scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Research Scientist | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $89,998 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $58,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Lyft |
| Best paying industry | Professional | - |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a research scientist in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Research Scientist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Chemistry |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and research scientists' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Research Scientist | |
| Average age | 47 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 62.5% Female, 37.5% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 29.6% White, 50.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |