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The differences between contract programmer 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 contract programmer analyst and a programmer analyst. Additionally, a contract programmer analyst has an average salary of $83,957, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a contract programmer analyst include sql server, access database and cobol ii. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $83,957 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $40.36 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 38,517 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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 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.
Contract programmer analysts and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $83,957 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $110,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a contract programmer analyst and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | 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 contract programmer analysts' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.9% Female, 23.1% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| 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, 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% |