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The differences between research programmers and software design 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 software design engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software design engineer has an average salary of $98,799, 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 software design engineer are software development, python, and software design.
| Research Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $98,799 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $47.50 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 315,080 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software design engineer or SDE is part of a software development enterprise. Software design engineers determine the problems or issues and figure out how to establish programs to ease and automate the situations. They fabricate style sheets for the management of the individual aspects of huge engineering projects. It is their job to develop strategies for hardware architecture and software engineering. They also handle and mentor engineering interns for professional guidance.
Research programmers and software design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $98,799 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $74,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a software design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and software design engineers' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Software Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 81.6% Female, 18.4% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |