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The differences between scientific programmers and computer 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 scientific programmer, becoming a computer engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer engineer has an average salary of $96,805, which is higher than the $83,969 average annual salary of a scientific programmer.
The top three skills for a scientific programmer include python, visualization and linux. The most important skills for a computer engineer are python, software development, and java.
| Scientific Programmer | Computer Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,969 | $96,805 |
| Hourly rate | $40.37 | $46.54 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 120,563 | 126,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 2 |
Scientific programmers are professionals who meet with scientists and researchers to determine and understand their program needs. By using their skills in scientific programming, these programmers must write programs from scratch or create by extensively customizing existing tools. They are required to work with senior programmers so that they can enhance their application development knowledge and skills. They must also assist in product testing with research students and collaborate with design engineers and production technicians when conducting system troubleshooting.
A computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology. Computer engineers are responsible for computer hardware design, development, research, and test computer systems. They examine components like circuit boards, processors, memory devices, routers, and networks. While, those working with the computer software are in charge of the development, design, and administration of software programs.
Scientific programmers and computer engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Scientific Programmer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average salary | $83,969 | $96,805 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $122,000 | Between $70,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Tech Data | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a scientific programmer and a computer engineer in terms of educational background:
| Scientific Programmer | Computer Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Engineering |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between scientific programmers' and computer engineers' demographics:
| Scientific Programmer | Computer Engineer | |
| Average age | 47 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 86.3% Female, 13.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 19.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |