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Research Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

As a Research Engineer, you will work closely with a systematic trading team to implement research studies, develop algorithms, and design software for trading strategy simulations. Responsibilities ...

Research Engineer (FICCO)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

As a Research Engineer , you will be an integral member of a systematic trading team comprised of experienced technologists, quantitative researchers, and traders. Your team will work closely to ...

The Research Engineering team works directly alongside Research Scientists to bring models to life. This position is dedicated to a high-impact systems role, providing the best of both worlds: deep ...

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Research Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$10.7K

$109.3K

$125K

How much do research programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for research programmer in Illinois is $109,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,800.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand fields like machine learning, AI, or working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or specialized expertise in the industry.

What are research programmers?

Research programmers are professionals who develop software, algorithms, and computational tools to support academic or scientific research projects. They work closely with researchers to design, implement, and optimize code for data analysis, simulations, and experiments. Their role often involves adapting existing software or creating new applications to solve specific research problems, ensuring that the software meets the requirements of the research team. Research programmers may also contribute to writing technical documentation and publishing results.

What is the difference between Research Programmer vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearch ProgrammerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, healthcare, finance, or marketing sectors
Employer & Industry UsageResearch projects, academic research, R&D departmentsData interpretation, reporting, and decision support in organizations

Research Programmers focus on developing software and tools for research purposes, often working in academic or research settings. Data Analysts interpret data to provide insights for business decisions. While both roles require strong technical skills, Research Programmers emphasize programming and software development, whereas Data Analysts focus on data interpretation and visualization.

Which research job pays the most?

Research director or principal investigator roles in fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or data science tend to offer the highest salaries among research jobs, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they may involve managing large teams or projects. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of expertise.

What is an analyst programmer's salary?

An analyst programmer's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require proficiency in programming languages, systems analysis, and software development tools, with higher salaries generally associated with advanced skills and certifications.

How do Research Programmers typically collaborate with researchers and other team members during a project?

Research Programmers often work closely with principal investigators, data scientists, and subject matter experts to develop, test, and optimize software solutions tailored to research needs. Collaboration is highly iterative and may involve regular meetings to align on project goals, troubleshoot technical challenges, and adapt code to evolving research requirements. Effective communication and a flexible approach are key, as programmers frequently translate complex research concepts into functional code and may also assist with data analysis or visualization tasks.

What do research developers do?

Research developers design, implement, and maintain software tools and systems to support scientific research and data analysis. They often collaborate with researchers to develop algorithms, automate workflows, and optimize computational processes using programming languages like Python, R, or C++. Their work enables efficient data processing and helps advance research projects across various scientific disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with scientific computing tools, version control systems (like Git), and data analysis platforms is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with research teams and translate complex requirements into code. These skills enable you to develop robust software solutions that advance research goals and ensure project success.
What job categories do people searching Research Programmer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Research Programmer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Research Programmer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,306 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Research Programmer / Senior Research Programmer (Quality Assurance)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Urbana, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description
The National Center for Supercomputing Applications provides powerful computers and expert support that help scientists and engineers improve our world.
http://www.ncsa.illinois.edu/
Job Description
The National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) is currently seeking one or more Research Programmers / Senior Research Programmers within its Blue Waters Project Office. For more information and to apply for this position, please visit jobs.illinois.edu. The search close date is March 16, 2017. Search Number: A1600208. The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
Qualifications
  • BA/BS degree (advanced degree preferred) in engineering,
    mathematics, science, computer science, or related field. Alternative
    degree fields will be considered if accompanied by equivalent experience
    (depending on nature and depth of experience as it relates to current
    NCSA projects and technologies)
  • Experience using various/multiple computational platforms, including UNIX, AIX, and/or LINUX
  • Solid knowledge in one or more of the following areas: parallel
    algorithms, performance analysis, code tuning, performance simulation or
    modeling of parallel application behavior
  • At least 3 years programming experience on high performance
    computers including development, optimization, porting, and/or scaling
    one or more parallel libraries or application codes written in Fortran,
    C, and/or C++, and utilizing programming models such as MPI and OpenMP

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.