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The differences between contract programmer analysts and 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 programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a contract programmer analyst has an average salary of $83,957, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a contract programmer analyst include sql server, access database and cobol ii. The most important skills for a programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $83,957 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $40.36 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 38,517 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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.
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Contract programmer analysts and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $83,957 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $110,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | Washington |
| Best paying company | - | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a contract programmer analyst and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 programmers' demographics:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.9% Female, 23.1% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |