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The differences between information technology programmers and programmer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become an information technology programmer, becoming a programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an information technology programmer has an average salary of $89,063, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for an information technology programmer include C++, java and javascript. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Information Technology Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $89,063 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $42.82 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 283,349 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
Information technology programmers are known as software engineers, systems, and computer programmers who are responsible for designing and creating programs, system integration, maintaining operating systems, and supporting data architecture. They do complex tasks, including managing system performance, modifying source code, analyzing algorithms, and provide technical support. The knowledge and experience are required to carry out regular assessment and level of exposure to possible risk. In addition, they also review and update existing programs and develop in-house software, and mitigating potential risk.
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.
Information technology programmers and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $89,063 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $124,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Napa, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Safeway | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Finance |
There are a few differences between an information technology programmer and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between information technology programmers' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Information Technology Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.3% 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 | 11% | 8% |