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The differences between contract programmer analysts and software 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 software analyst. Additionally, a contract programmer analyst has an average salary of $83,957, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a contract programmer analyst include sql server, access database and cobol ii. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $83,957 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $40.36 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 38,517 | 274,053 |
| 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 software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
Contract programmer analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $83,957 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $110,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Oregon |
| Best paying company | - | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a contract programmer analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Software 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 | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between contract programmer analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Contract Programmer Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.9% Female, 23.1% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 10.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |