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The differences between bioinformatics analysts and programmer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a bioinformatics analyst and a programmer analyst. Additionally, a bioinformatics analyst has an average salary of $79,394, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a bioinformatics analyst include python, next-generation sequencing and data analysis. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Bioinformatics Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $79,394 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $38.17 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 30,669 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A bioinformatics analyst is responsible for assisting with laboratory examinations and research investigations on the Human Genome Project. Bioinformatics analysts analyze scientific data with the researchers to develop treatment plans for human diseases and maintain the accuracy of the database for algorithms. They submit genomic data to the medical professionals, write report findings, and discuss results to the researchers. A bioinformatics analyst must have excellent technical and analytical skills to operate various software tools and applications to generate data efficiently.
A programmer analyst is responsible for monitoring database performance and software applications, performing basic troubleshooting, and improving program operations as needed. Programmer analysts' duties also include making adjustments on the system based on client's specifications, creating reports for any updates and new system procedures, designing specific technology solutions to improve the business operations, and performing necessary code adjustments. A programmer analyst must have extensive knowledge of computer systems and procedures, as well as critical-thinking skills to perform complex tasks under minimal supervision.
Bioinformatics analysts and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Bioinformatics Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $79,394 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $106,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Editas Medicine | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a bioinformatics analyst and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Bioinformatics Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Biostatistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between bioinformatics analysts' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Bioinformatics Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.2% Female, 50.8% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 26.7% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |