Post job

What is an application programmer analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Brian Glas

Application programmer analysts use their technical knowledge and programming experience to analyze and implement software programs. They ensure that software programs and applications are performing up to standards, and are responsible for suggesting resolutions if they are not.

Other duties of an application programmer analyst include determining project requirements, designing new programs, analyzing existing programs, troubleshooting issues, and conducting program user research. They work closely with other application programmers and other members of the development team to ensure proper implementation of the software development plan. Application programmer analysts may work from home or in an office.

The work of an application programmer analyst requires at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or another tech-related field. In terms of experience, some employers may accept fresh graduates, but the majority prefer candidates with prior work experience in a similar role. The average salary for an application programmer is approximately $71,000 per year.

What general advice would you give to an application programmer analyst?

Brian GlasBrian Glas LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Union University

Build relationships: Different technologies will interest and challenge you, but throughout your career, you'll find that it's the relationships that are the most important. This is harder to grasp earlier in your career, but much easier to understand after 15-20 years.
Gain different perspectives: Spend time with people in other roles that your job interacts with, and gain a solid understanding of how they view things; this is most valuable for career progression and understanding of how your work fits into the big picture.
ScoreApplication Programmer AnalystUS Average
Salary
6.4

Avg. Salary $82,341

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 14.58%

Black or African American 10.25%

Hispanic or Latino 11.02%

Unknown 5.01%

White 58.96%

Gender

female 32.80%

male 67.20%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Application programmer analyst career paths

Key steps to become an application programmer analyst

  1. Explore application programmer analyst education requirements

    Most common application programmer analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.6 %

    Associate

    15.8 %

    Master's

    11.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific application programmer analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    C++10.39%
    Java8.10%
    JavaScript8.03%
    SQL Server5.48%
    Windows4.86%
  3. Complete relevant application programmer analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New application programmer analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an application programmer analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real application programmer analyst resumes.
  4. Research application programmer analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Manage code repository structure and environment for various application using TFS.
    • Modify HTML, ColdFusion, and CSS software for dynamic screen resolution.
    • Change a number of maintenance applications using COBOL, HTML, CICS and XML meeting deadlines with establish resources.
    • Create technical specifications and test plan documentation using SDLC guidelines.
  5. Prepare your application programmer analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your application programmer analyst resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an application programmer analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable application programmer analyst resume templates

    Build a professional application programmer analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your application programmer analyst resume.
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
    Application Programmer Analyst Resume
  6. Apply for application programmer analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an application programmer analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first application programmer analyst job

Zippi

Are you an application programmer analyst?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average application programmer analyst salary

The average application programmer analyst salary in the United States is $82,341 per year or $40 per hour. Application programmer analyst salaries range between $62,000 and $108,000 per year.

Average application programmer analyst salary
$82,341 Yearly
$39.59 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do application programmer analysts rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Application programmer analyst reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Cons

Too much detail oriented


Working as an application programmer analyst? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs