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The differences between contract programmer analysts and senior 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 senior programmer analyst. Additionally, a senior programmer analyst has an average salary of $95,174, which is higher than the $83,957 average annual salary of a contract 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 senior programmer analyst are java, C++, and sql server.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $83,957 | $95,174 |
| Hourly rate | $40.36 | $45.76 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 38,517 | 164,022 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 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.
Contract programmer analysts and senior programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $83,957 | $95,174 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $110,000 | Between $73,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | AEA Investors |
| Best paying industry | - | Retail |
There are a few differences between a contract programmer analyst and a senior programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | 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 contract programmer analysts' and senior programmer analysts' demographics:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.9% Female, 23.1% | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% |
| 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, 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 | 8% | 8% |