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The differences between contract programmer analysts and computer programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a contract programmer analyst, becoming a computer programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a contract programmer analyst has an average salary of $83,957, which is higher than the $70,979 average annual salary of a computer programmer.
The top three skills for a contract programmer analyst include sql server, access database and cobol ii. The most important skills for a computer programmer are C #, java, and javascript.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,957 | $70,979 |
| Hourly rate | $40.36 | $34.12 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 38,517 | 205,491 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 8 |
A Contract Programmer Analyst writes computer code used in software applications. They plan, design, schedule, write, and debug software for websites. They work on a part-time or contract basis for software publishers, government agencies, small or large businesses, and other organizations.
A Computer Programmer is a specialist in writing computer programs as well as mobile applications. In addition to writing and testing code written, they are responsible for installing updates for software, debugging or improving functionality, troubleshooting parts of the program that is not functioning, and rewriting code for computer programs to be compatible in different operating systems. They also work to prevent data leaks and breaches in security by identifying malicious software and building firewalls.
Contract programmer analysts and computer programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Average salary | $83,957 | $70,979 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $110,000 | Between $55,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Washington |
| Best paying company | - | |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a contract programmer analyst and a computer programmer in terms of educational background:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Chicago |
Here are the differences between contract programmer analysts' and computer programmers' demographics:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.9% Female, 23.1% | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 12.6% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |