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The differences between research programmers and systems 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 systems programmer. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, 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 systems programmer are provide technical assistance, video conferencing, and C++.
| Research Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,823 | $96,017 |
| Hourly rate | $38.86 | $46.16 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 139,392 | 257,681 |
| 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 systems programmer is responsible for managing and installing software systems and applications to the company's computer networks to support the efficiency of business functions and operations. Systems programmers coordinate with the systems analyst to conduct quality checks and running configuration tests to ensure the stability of applications and avoid downtimes. They also create resolution reports, design servers, and upgrade network infrastructure as often as needed. A systems programmer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially the expert command of programming languages and codes.
Research programmers and systems programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average salary | $80,823 | $96,017 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $105,000 | Between $66,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a research programmer and a systems programmer in terms of educational background:
| Research Programmer | Systems 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 systems programmers' demographics:
| Research Programmer | Systems Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% |
| 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, 5.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 14.9% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |