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The differences between programmer analysts and software 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 software programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a software programmer has an average salary of $71,612, 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 programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,563 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $34.41 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 248,781 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Programmer analysts and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $71,563 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $91,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Western Digital | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a programmer analyst and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 software programmers' demographics:
| Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |