[andyjdavis]

Generally as a programmer working in a non-software/tech area you're treated as, at best, semi-skilled labour. Sure you can program but that's nothing compared to the complexity of mechanical engineering/microbiology/whatever.

You tend to be treated as necessary but undesirable. Someone that I, your engineer/doctor/professor boss who is far smarter than you, will have to waste time telling what to do. All so you can go do the fancy typing necessary to make the software do what I say.

In terms of respect level its not uncommon for non-programmers to lump programmers in with book keepers, compliance officers and other necessary but undesirable people.

It would probably be different if you were both a biologist/trader/chemical engineer AND a programmer. That would be entirely different than just being a programmer working within the domain.