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The differences between programmer analysts and senior programmers 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 senior programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a senior programmer has an average salary of $105,509, 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 senior programmer are macro, SAS, and database.
| Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,563 | $105,509 |
| Hourly rate | $34.41 | $50.73 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 248,781 | 209,882 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 8 |
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.
A Senior Programmer develops operations solutions through guiding the development of program specifications and leading programmers. They develop, test, and implement IT solutions.
Programmer analysts and senior programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Average salary | $71,563 | $105,509 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $91,000 | Between $78,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Western Digital | Cornerstone Research |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a programmer analyst and a senior programmer in terms of educational background:
| Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between programmer analysts' and senior programmers' demographics:
| Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |