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The differences between research programmers and software engineers-consultant 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 engineer-consultant takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer-consultant has an average salary of $113,987, 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 engineer-consultant are java, python, and architecture.
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer-Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $113,987 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $54.80 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 317,033 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 engineer consultant develops and recommends strategies to optimize a company's software engineering operations. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting extensive research and analysis to find new opportunities, performing software evaluations and risk assessments, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes, and developing solutions against problem areas. Through the findings of their research, a software engineer consultant draws conclusions and recommendations that will help the company to reach their short and long-term goals and resolve issues or concerns.
Research programmers and software engineers-consultant have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer-Consultant | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $113,987 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $85,000 And $152,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Foster City, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Advent Software |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a software engineer-consultant in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer-Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and software engineers-consultant' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer-Consultant | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |