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The differences between research programmers and software 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 engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 are java, python, and software development.
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Research programmers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between research programmers' and software engineers' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |