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The differences between cobol 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 cobol programmer, becoming a programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a cobol programmer has an average salary of $84,879, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a cobol programmer include SQL, COBOL and debugging. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $84,879 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $40.81 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 191,455 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
Cobol Programmers write computer programs using COBOL. They design, create, and configure new program codes, test these computer programs to ensure they work well on the intended system, and make the required changes. They also fine-tune DB2 SQL inquiries, gather and document operating system requirements, maintain and develop COBOL, and document, implement, design, and enhance systems and computer programs. Cobol Programmers code libraries to simplify program writing, test COBOL program errors, and correct computer code faulty lines.
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.
Cobol programmers and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $84,879 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $112,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Levi, Ray & Shoup | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a cobol programmer and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between cobol programmers' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Cobol Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.2% 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 | 11% | 8% |