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The differences between programmer analysts and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a programmer analyst, becoming a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a business analyst has an average salary of $74,431, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a programmer analyst include sql server, C++ and java. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Programmer Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $71,563 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $34.41 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 248,781 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
Programmer analysts and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $71,563 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $91,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Western Digital | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a programmer analyst and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Programmer Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between programmer analysts' and business analysts' demographics:
| Programmer Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |