Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between programmer analysts and software analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a programmer analyst and a software analyst. Additionally, a software analyst has an average salary of $78,400, 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 software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Programmer Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $71,563 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $34.41 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 248,781 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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 software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
Programmer analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $71,563 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $91,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Western Digital | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a programmer analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Programmer Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between programmer analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Programmer Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 10.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |