Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between cobol programmers and senior 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 senior programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior programmer analyst has an average salary of $95,174, which is higher than the $84,879 average annual salary of a cobol programmer.
The top three skills for a cobol programmer include SQL, COBOL and debugging. The most important skills for a senior programmer analyst are java, C++, and sql server.
| Cobol Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $84,879 | $95,174 |
| Hourly rate | $40.81 | $45.76 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 191,455 | 164,022 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 senior programmer/analyst is responsible for developing and sustaining databases and software applications to achieve business requirements. The professional performs development duties such as coding and testing these applications. The core skills that the job requires include familiarity with applicable data privacy practices and laws, a keen eye for details, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Also, the job requires a college diploma or university degree in the field of computer science, information systems, or software engineering.
Cobol programmers and senior programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cobol Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $84,879 | $95,174 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $112,000 | Between $73,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Levi, Ray & Shoup | AEA Investors |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a cobol programmer and a senior programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Cobol Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 senior programmer analysts' demographics:
| Cobol Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% |
| 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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.8% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |