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The differences between research programmers and senior 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 senior programmer. Additionally, a senior programmer has an average salary of $105,509, 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 senior programmer are macro, SAS, and database.
| Research Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $105,509 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $50.73 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 209,882 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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.
A Senior Programmer develops operations solutions through guiding the development of program specifications and leading programmers. They develop, test, and implement IT solutions.
Research programmers and senior programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $105,509 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $78,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Cornerstone Research |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a senior programmer in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and senior programmers' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% |
| 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, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |