Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between database programmers and programmer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a database programmer, becoming a programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a database programmer has an average salary of $78,390, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a database programmer include PL/SQL, access database and microsoft sql server. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Database Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $78,390 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 18,188 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A database programmer specializes in developing and maintaining database programs, modifying them according to their clients' needs. They design and write codes for different programs, establish and implement test systems, troubleshoot problems, solve concerns or issues, and upgrade systems as necessary. They may also establish data security plans and implement protocols to protect company and client data. Moreover, a database programmer maintains an active communication line with co-workers, working together to ensure a smooth workflow and provide optimal services to clients.
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.
Database programmers and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $78,390 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $107,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Finance |
There are a few differences between a database programmer and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Database Programmer | 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 database programmers' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Database Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 21.0% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 6% | 8% |