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The differences between junior programmers and senior 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 a junior programmer, becoming a senior programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior programmer analyst has an average salary of $95,174, which is higher than the $61,448 average annual salary of a junior programmer.
The top three skills for a junior programmer include C++, javascript and web application. The most important skills for a senior programmer analyst are java, C++, and sql server.
| Junior Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $61,448 | $95,174 |
| Hourly rate | $29.54 | $45.76 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 215,345 | 164,022 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
Junior programmers are entry-level professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing computer software that meets the needs of internal and external clients. Under the supervision of the IT director and development coordinator, these programmers must work with a team to develop specifications and write software applications. They are required to write code, test, and troubleshoot programs that utilize database and programming technology. Junior programmers must also consult users to analyze the performance of programs and take actions to correct deficiencies.
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.
Junior programmers and senior programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $61,448 | $95,174 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $82,000 | Between $73,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | PlayStation | AEA Investors |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a junior programmer and a senior programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Junior Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | 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 junior programmers' and senior programmer analysts' demographics:
| Junior Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.6% Female, 28.4% | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 17.6% White, 63.9% 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 | 11% | 8% |