Post job

What does an application programmer analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Howard Rees

Application Programmer Analysts are responsible for analyzing and implementing software programs and applications. Their duties include defining project requirements, designing new software applications and programs, conducting business system analysis, creating a software development plan, and undertaking program user research. They are also involved in writing programming scripts, carrying out software development testing, and producing statistical reports. Application programmer analysts also schedule software improvements, communicate with the vendor regarding new system implementation, develop user manuals, and perform software installations.

On this page

Application programmer analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real application programmer analyst resumes:

  • 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.
  • Task items are created when XML are received.
  • Perform review of all Java code to comply with corporate and generally accept security standards.
  • Extend experience in creation, execution, and management of SSIS and DTSX ETL packages.
  • Involve in different types of ETL operations which involves data from users and other systems.
  • Customize software for banking customer using JCL and COBOL programming language on a mainframe platform.
  • Design and develop multiple-browser compatible front end screens using HTML5, CSS3, JQuery and JavaScript.
  • Set up production and test jobs (JCL) for daily, monthly and year-end work.
  • Inherit duties as SharePoint administrator, becoming responsible for content management, security, and site maintenance.
  • Design and develop SQL scripts, store procedures, XML scripts, and functions for schedule execution.
  • Perform SDLC functions by meeting with internal clients for requirements gathering, setting of deadlines and presenting finish product to user.
  • Administer various Debian Linux servers.

Application programmer analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 10% of Application Programmer Analysts are proficient in C++, Java, and JavaScript. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Application Programmer Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • C++, 10%

    Generated programs/applications on demand using C++.

  • Java, 8%

    Supported the Monthly\bi-weekly production deployments on Java batch\online projects.

  • JavaScript, 8%

    Developed the Custom Client Side Validations for individual controls using JavaScript.

  • SQL Server, 5%

    Web administrator and Access/SQL server database administrator for combined company web intranet.

  • Windows, 5%

    Customized PowerBuilder data windows for Advance System users to enhance utilization.

  • Application Development, 5%

    Performed assorted data entry application development, (2008).

Common skills that an application programmer analyst uses to do their job include "c++," "java," and "javascript." You can find details on the most important application programmer analyst responsibilities below.

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an application programmer analyst to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Application programmer analysts often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided application support for accounts payable, fixed assets, telecommunications accounting, automated controls/reporting, and marketing systems. "

Creativity. Many application programmer analyst duties rely on creativity. "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important.," so an application programmer analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways application programmer analyst responsibilities rely on creativity: "served as team analyst for the payroll, finance, inventory, and chemis systems. "

Analytical skills. This is an important skill for application programmer analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how application programmer analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an application programmer analyst: "perform electronic resource data loading to aleph library system using perl, java. ".

Most common application programmer analyst skills

The three companies that hire the most application programmer analysts are:

Choose from 10+ customizable application programmer analyst resume templates

Build a professional application programmer analyst resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can 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
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

Compare different application programmer analysts

Application programmer analyst vs. Analyst lead

The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.

The annual salary of analyst leads is $12,923 higher than the average salary of application programmer analysts.Even though application programmer analysts and analyst leads are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, sql server, and html in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between application programmer analysts and analyst lead. For instance, application programmer analyst responsibilities require skills such as "c++," "javascript," "windows," and "application development." Whereas a analyst lead is skilled in "analytics," "data analysis," "project management," and "customer service." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Analyst leads really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $110,488. Comparatively, application programmer analysts tend to make the most money in the media industry with an average salary of $99,416.analyst leads tend to reach higher levels of education than application programmer analysts. In fact, analyst leads are 6.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Application programmer analyst vs. Gis analyst

A GIS Analyst is responsible for the development and implementation of geographic information systems. They provide expertise, support, assistance, and guidance to various geographic variables in a specific area.

A career as a gis analyst brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an application programmer analyst. In fact, gis analysts salary is $18,623 lower than the salary of application programmer analysts per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Application programmer analysts and gis analysts both require similar skills like "javascript," "sql server," and "windows" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that application programmer analyst responsibilities requires skills like "c++," "java," "software development," and "css." But a gis analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "gps," "spatial data," "data collection," and "esri arcgis."

Gis analysts earn a lower average salary than application programmer analysts. But gis analysts earn the highest pay in the utilities industry, with an average salary of $79,998. Additionally, application programmer analysts earn the highest salaries in the media with average pay of $99,416 annually.gis analysts earn similar levels of education than application programmer analysts in general. They're 3.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for application programmer analysts in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Howard Rees

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Information Systems, Rider University

Hmm, what technology? That's a question with many different levels of context. For some undergraduates in CS and IT, I would look at systems programming in massively parallel environments, application programming with particular focus on security and privacy, and data science and analytics. For other undergraduates, they might look at artificial intelligence and machine learning, for business applications especially. AI is becoming ubiquitous throughout the business, but it's often used as a "black box."
Meaning that the applications (and those "operating" them) do not understand what's happening inside. AI systems are often "designed, trained, and tested" by the provider and certified as generating the output most desired by the customer but only in a statistical sense. There is no "proof" that the AI black box is, with certainty, doing what the business customer (or the provider for that matter) thinks it is doing - it just does a good job when tested on data. There will be a significant need for tech-savvy people to design, train, monitor, and apply them so that they do not deviate from the desired goals. Such deviations can result in socially destructive business practices. As you can't properly manage what you don't understand, there is a risk in using AI too blindly. CS and IT graduates will need to help out.

Application programmer analyst vs. Test analyst

The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.

On average, test analysts earn lower salaries than application programmer analysts, with a $11,344 difference per year.By looking over several application programmer analysts and test analysts resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "sql server," and "html." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, application programmer analysts are more likely to have skills like "c++," "javascript," "windows," and "application development." But a test analyst is more likely to have skills like "test scripts," "test plan," "regression," and "test results."

Test analysts make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $74,197. On the other hand, application programmer analysts are paid the highest salary in the media industry, with average annual pay of $99,416.test analysts typically earn similar educational levels compared to application programmer analysts. Specifically, they're 4.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Application programmer analyst vs. Systems analyst

A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.

Systems analysts average a lower salary than the annual salary of application programmer analysts. The difference is about $6,958 per year.While their salaries may vary, application programmer analysts and systems analysts both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "c++," "java," and "sql server. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "javascript," "windows," "software development," and "web application" are skills that commonly show up on application programmer analyst resumes. On the other hand, systems analysts use skills like customer service, project management, troubleshoot, and c # on their resumes.The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for systems analysts, with average annual pay of $86,904. Comparatively, the highest application programmer analyst annual salary comes from the media industry.The average resume of systems analysts showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to application programmer analysts. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.3%.

Types of application programmer analyst

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