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The differences between clinical statistical programmers and programmer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a clinical statistical programmer, becoming a programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a clinical statistical programmer has an average salary of $83,894, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a clinical statistical programmer include macro, data management and adam. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $83,894 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $40.33 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 77,290 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
Clinical statistical programmers collect data, execute statistical analysis, and analyze data sets based on the needs of the clients or employers. The programmers use SAS programming for data set development and analysis during clinical trials. They integrate data for reports after statistical analysis or clinical research. The skills they need to develop include analytical thinking, attention to detail, research, and strategic planning. They should also need to know statistical programming in clinical research.
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.
Clinical statistical programmers and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $83,894 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $117,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Genentech | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a clinical statistical programmer and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Statistics | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Columbia University in the City of New York | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between clinical statistical programmers' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Clinical Statistical Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.0% Female, 33.0% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.4% White, 58.7% 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 | 11% | 8% |