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Programmer analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected programmer analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for programmer analysts are projected over the next decade.
Programmer analyst salaries have increased 8% for programmer analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 254,431 programmer analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 248,781 active programmer analyst job openings in the US.
The average programmer analyst salary is $71,563.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 254,431 | 0.08% |
| 2020 | 469,519 | 0.14% |
| 2019 | 262,499 | 0.08% |
| 2018 | 525,769 | 0.16% |
| 2017 | 524,764 | 0.16% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $71,563 | $34.41 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $69,205 | $33.27 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $67,639 | $32.52 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $67,280 | $32.35 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $66,480 | $31.96 | +1.7% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 786 | 113% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 404 | 42% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,296 | 39% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 412 | 39% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 237 | 38% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,383 | 35% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,528 | 34% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,055 | 34% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,242 | 30% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 908 | 29% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 377 | 28% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 279 | 27% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,403 | 25% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 471 | 25% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 190 | 25% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,358 | 24% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 177 | 24% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,112 | 23% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 135 | 23% |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,221 | 22% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 8 | 20% | $70,757 |
| 2 | Laurel | 3 | 12% | $70,666 |
| 3 | Allen | 3 | 3% | $67,246 |
| 4 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $65,209 |
| 5 | Livonia | 3 | 3% | $65,393 |
| 6 | Lubbock | 6 | 2% | $67,594 |
| 7 | Richmond | 4 | 2% | $69,300 |
| 8 | Huntsville | 3 | 2% | $65,399 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 9 | 1% | $70,758 |
| 10 | Oakland | 4 | 1% | $89,445 |
| 11 | Albuquerque | 3 | 1% | $65,576 |
| 12 | Fort Wayne | 3 | 1% | $67,534 |
| 13 | Milwaukee | 3 | 1% | $67,467 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 19 | 0% | $85,420 |
| 15 | Houston | 8 | 0% | $67,782 |
| 16 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $68,766 |
| 17 | Austin | 3 | 0% | $68,096 |
| 18 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $71,534 |
| 19 | Dallas | 3 | 0% | $67,451 |
| 20 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $64,470 |
Portland State University
Widener University
SUNY College at Geneseo
Siena College
West Virginia University
Washington and Lee University
Nova Southeastern University
Kettering University
The University of the South
Nova Southeastern University
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Texas A&M University San Antonio
Ashford University
Middle Georgia State University
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
Wu-chang Feng: I believe so. With the advent of generative AI, it is now much easier to go from idea to implementation. We can now build things closer to the limits of our imagination.
Widener University
Business/Commerce
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: There are many reasons that people like about being a business analyst, including reasons listed as follows: 1. Analytical Skills and Data Exploration: BAs often analyze data to understand trends and identify areas for improvement. Seeing a successful implementation and its positive impact can be very rewarding. 2. Problem-solving. BAs get to identify inefficiencies and propose solutions that can improve how a business operates. 3. Continuous learning. Business analysts may work on a range of projects and the field of business analysis may be constantly evolving, which required BAs to actively cultivate skills in new businesses. For example, the coming of the AI era requires BAs to master AI fundamentals and data fluency. 4. While some thrive on the problem-solving and communication aspects of a BA role, others may find them less appealing. Carefully consider your personality and preferences to see if this aligns with your career goals.
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: The rise of AI has brought many opportunities for the professions like business analysts in terms of AI integration. Businesses will need analysts who can bridge the gap between AI and human needs and focus on more strategic areas like identifying ethical considerations of AI implementation, developing plans to mitigate AI bias, and designing human-AI collaboration workflows. For people who are interested in entering this profession, I would suggest adapting your skillset to include AI understanding, data storytelling, and strategic thinking to be well-positioned in the future.
SUNY College at Geneseo
Bilingual, Multilingual, And Multicultural Education
Jasmine Tang: Be confident of their major/minor or the subject they like and do best of the field they like for themselves not for money or please their parents or fulfill the dream of others.
Jasmine Tang: I always advise the students to apply any job that accept their degree or go for the one they really like.
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
Robert Bentz: The obvious one is artificial intelligence. Many people are concerned that they may be replaced by AI, but nothing can be further from the truth. Those who learn to work with AI are going to be the ones that excel. There's a skill to knowing what you can and can't get from this remarkable new technology.
Oliver Keys Jr: The power of mentorships and networking early in your career will be beneficial in the long run. Also, understanding that professional skills can be half the battle. Showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and communicating effectively can be challenging for some students. Internships and externships are great for students to get technical and professional experience.
Michelle Cowan Ph.D.: I’m not sure about this question since I haven’t really discussed this with any business analysts. I’ll pass this question on and see if I get a response. Otherwise, ask me about content strategy, UX, writing, and communication jobs, and I can speak more freely, since that’s what I did for 15 years before moving into academia.
Prof. Kim Jovanovich P.E.: Attached please see the responses to your interview questions. I hope this sheds some light on the questions you asked!
Nova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
Joseph Taylor: The role of a Business Analyst can vary greatly from company to company, and even from department to department, so it is very important to look at the details of a particular position that you are applying for. One common factor from all Business Analyst is that they are generally expected to make sense of data, and to be effective communicators that can apply insights to real-world problems.
Dr. Jim Huggins: Computer science is a problem-solving discipline. Computer scientists help people solve problems. Typically, those problems deal with data; someone has a large set of data and needs to answer questions about that data, or process it in some way. Computer scientists write programs that run on computers to help their clients answer those questions and perform those processing tasks. On a given day, a computer scientist might do any or all of the following tasks, working alone or in teams: - Meet with clients to understand their problems and how a computing system might help them solve their problems. - Design computing systems to meet client needs. - Build computing systems to meet design specifications. - Test computing systems in order to find errors in their construction and fix those errors. - Repair computing systems that are not functioning properly. - Instruct users how to use the computing systems the computer scientist has designed for them. - Brainstorm new ideas for computing systems that would meet the needs of new customers.
Dr. Jim Huggins: Demand for computer scientists in the marketplace is high right now. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment in computer science is projected to grow much faster than all other occupations in the next ten years and currently pays salaries twice the national average. Working conditions for computer scientists are generally good: pleasant office environments, with the potential for flexible work environments and flexible schedules. But beyond the economic reasons, choosing computer science as a career means choosing a career that helps people solve their problems. Everyone uses computers to perform hundreds of tasks per day; computer scientists design the systems that people are using to make their everyday life more fulfilling.
Dr. Jim Huggins: Computer scientists enjoy the opportunity to be creative every day. Every computing system being designed is different from the last one or the next one; creativity is required to solve new problems every day. Computer scientists enjoy the opportunity to solve problems. There is a great feeling of accomplishment when a team finishes developing a computing system or helps a client solve their problems by using a computing system they designed. Computer scientists are innovative. By definition, they create systems that never existed beforehand. People enjoy knowing that they're creating the future of our world. Each benefit of being a computer scientist can also be a challenge. Working with people, both to determine the requirements for a system that's never existed, and to build that system, can be subject to the same interpersonal conflicts of any discipline. Problem-solving can be frustrating if the solution is not immediately apparent. Building computing systems requires technical skills that can take time to learn and to master.
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Things don’t just happen. You must develop a career plan to maximize your salary potential when starting your career. Find the right employer for yourself. For example, if you are mobile and willing to travel, target employers with international projects. After working for a few years, you can request a transfer to an overseas assignment, and this will instantaneously almost double your salary. If you are not mobile and your circumstances do not allow your travel, seek employment with major corporations and seek positions that are done at the home office (e.g., estimating, procurement, and contracting).
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As you begin your career in Computer Applications, remember that the technology industry highly values adaptability and continuous learning. Commit to staying current with emerging technologies, programming languages, tools, and methodologies. Engage in online courses, attend workshops, and network with other professionals in your field. This dedication to self-learning and the connections you make can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations that could shape your future career path.
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential as a new graduate with a Computer Applications degree involves strategic positioning, skill enhancement, and effective negotiation. Following are a few strategies to help increase your salary now and in the future: Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Identify and specialize in high-demand areas that generally offer higher salaries. Build a Strong Portfolio: Develop a portfolio that showcases your skills. A compelling portfolio can strengthen your position during salary negotiations. Develop Soft Skills: While technical skills are essential, soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership hold equal significance. Enhancing these skills can give you an edge in negotiations. Do your Homework and Negotiate: Some industries and locations offer higher salaries. Decide what type of industry you want to focus on and do the background research needed to determine whether your skills will help as leverage. Use your portfolio, certifications, and skill set to strengthen your position. Be ready to articulate your value and how you can contribute to the company's success.
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As we look toward the future of careers in Computer Applications, several skills stand out for their growing importance. These skills revolve around specific technologies that are expected to continue to grow and evolve. Technologies related to Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Science are quickly evolving and being applied across the technology sector. Cloud Computing: Given the widespread adoption of Cloud services, Cloud computing expertise is indispensable. Understanding how to leverage platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is crucial to developing scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs. Artificial Intelligence: AI and Machine Learning are transforming the world. Skills in these areas to solve real-world problems will be even more critical in the future. Cybersecurity: Digital threats are becoming more sophisticated. Safeguarding data, networks, and systems will require encryption, intrusion detection, development, and regulation skills. Data Science: Skills in Data Science will be increasingly sought after as businesses embrace data-driven decision-making. Extracting meaningful insights from extensive datasets and effectively communicating these findings will be essential. Soft skills: Finally, soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication cannot be overlooked. Adapting, communicating, and leading will be essential for success.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Mining And Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
Mr. Mark Pranger: The first skill would be one I mentioned up in the first question and that is your communication skills. Not only is it important now, but it will also remain important as time goes forward. A skill that many overlook is the ability to teach yourself. We are in a technical field that changes daily. I do countless interviews with students doing their internships and, on the way, out the door, I give the advice of being a lifelong learner. Be prepared to reinvent yourself in about 5 to 10 years. Our technology changes and is that demanding of us. Do not depend on your company to direct your self-learning. Your career is your responsibility. So, oversee your learning. The company may teach you new skills, but they will be skills they want you to have. It might take you far into the company but you still have to manage your career for your best results. My next piece of advice is to consider a non-technical advanced degree. Consider a business degree to complement your technical degree. As you move up in the organization, things like finance, management, and other business disciplines will increase in importance. You may end up managing a department or even the entire organization's technical future. You will need to understand how all those pieces of the business interact with each other and the related business environment. My last skill to suggest is the skill to maintain a work and life balance. If you put too much into work, you may wake up one day and ask yourself, is it worth it? When one spends all their time working to get ahead, when do they get time to be ahead and enjoy it?
Mr. Mark Pranger: The biggest advice here is to show the organization the long haul. It costs a lot of money to advertise, find, recruit, hire, and train employees in our field. The company wants to know their return on that investment will be higher. A large technical breadth versus a deep technical understanding is the balance you have to maintain. Many companies I deal with as an internship coordinator tell me that they can train the technical niche needs that they have but the student has to be able to show that they can learn and absorb that knowledge and put it to use. Going back to the portfolio, this gives someone looking at it insight into what extent you can learn, absorb, and produce. I personally am a true believer in the depth over breadth in the computer science programming field. While syntax changes from language to language, the concepts that we use to engineer our software remain the same. So Java does one activity different than C# or Ruby, that concept though will be important and the syntax can be picked up easier if you understand the concept. To me, a deeper understanding of one language and the ability to adapt quickly to another language is more important than having a little knowledge in a wide breadth of language but no depth. I have been in this field for 30 years now and probably know about half that number of languages that I have used over those 30 years. I didn't start with all those languages, but I did start with a very deep understanding of just one or two. I could spend my time quickly learning syntax to pick up a new language for a new position because I understood the concepts so well in my root language. Learn it deep, understand it deep and show you can transfer it across laterally. Put together that portfolio. The portfolio reinforces the narrative I discussed in the earlier question also.
Mr. Mark Pranger: My first piece of advice a student graduating is to not wait until the last minute to do any networking in their field. If your college/university offers career fairs, start attending those as soon as possible. Start putting your name and associated face out there so when HR sees the name on the resume, they already know the face that goes with it. Put in the shoe leather or other sole material in early and often as possible. My second piece of advice is to target your cover letter, resume, and subsequent contacts such as interviews to the individual companies. Show them that you have taken the time to get to know the company. You may find common ground or may find that you are not a good match. Your time as well as their time is valuable, invest in well into finding the match for you that you can work at and feel rewarded. Make sure to clean up those resumes and other written communications before you send them. One simple grammar or spelling mistake could remove you from consideration in their very competitive world. Practice interviewing if at all possible. Go to any mock interviews your institution offers or clubs offer. If there is not any, ask those in the industry or management positions that you might know to mock interview you for the practice. Show respect for their time and be serious about the mock interview. Show up in person dressed like you are doing a real interview. Your entire interaction with a company and their representatives is your chance to create the narrative they will remember. In that narrative, you take them on the journey of getting to know you, finding out you are a good match to the company, and a good match to the position to which you are applying. The outcome you want is that job offer. One might notice my advice is not technical but more in the way you are looking for a position. Once you get into the position, the actual question that was asked here, start by absorbing anything they are willing to throw at you. Look for opportunities to show the company what you can do and what they can expect from you. Be mindful of your plate size and don't take on too much too early. They will remember two major things about your early days: That you tried and how you handled success and failure. Continue your networking at the job. Though we are in a technical field, we will interact with others not in our field. Our written and verbal communication skills will be put to the test. Nothing kills a great presentation idea more than bad communication skills. Never assume you are the best. Always work on the premise that someone is better and strive to become better. The education has given you the technical side of the coin. But it takes the non-technical side such as communication skills to showcase to others and your company your technical prowess. If you have not already, put together a portfolio of your work. Show the employers what you have done in the field. This includes what you did in school as projects. Having interacted with many hiring managers through advisory committees, one thing that keeps coming up is the creation of a portfolio. Those are not just for the artist, they are for anyone to show what they can do. Don't give up. The pile of rejection letters may become larger before that right position and company comes your way. You do have to search for it but it is out there.
MARLA KRAMER: Do the necessary course work from a reputed institution, where you can get the necessary hands-on experience under the tutelage of an established expert. Create a portfolio of your work on GitHub so that you can share your projects with potential employees. It is more important to demonstrate your skills through code, than it is to provide a list of classes that you have taken. Certification courses are expensive, but getting an accredited certificate in Mobile Application Development or any of the rapidly growing fields is always an advantage. The internet has a lot of uncurated, self-published, and incorrect information, especially when it comes to computer science. It is important that you pick your sources wisely as you build your skills.
MARLA KRAMER: It is unlikely that software development will be fully automated in the near future. Writing correct and efficient applications is a skill set that will only grow as we invent more ways to improve the quality of our lives. As more and more commerce and critical services migrate onto the internet, IS development will require a deeper knowledge of cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Information Security Analysis jobs are expected to grow by 32% over the next 10 years. The BLS estimates Software Developers, Quality Assurance and Testing will grow by 25% over the next decade.
Right now, however, software development is going through a lull because of competition from abroad. Being an expert in at least two popular programming languages, having a solid theoretical foundation, and being able to innovate is pivotal. Artificial Intelligence is being deployed to solve some problems now, thanks to the powerful computers we have today. Learning to effectively use AI frameworks as part of your application development will add a lot of value to your skillset.
MARLA KRAMER: Computer Science, and IS in general, is a field that is constantly evolving. It is not enough to know what everybody else knows. Becoming a subject matter expert with deep knowledge is important to be successful in the long run. You have to pick your area of expertise carefully, keep yourself focused and educated in that specific area, and be prepared for a career of continuous learning.
Texas A&M University San Antonio
Computer Science
Izzat Alsmadi: With the quick and rapid evolution language models, they are expected to be great assets in accelerating many jobs. Its important for new graduates to be aware of such models or tools and how they can be used
Programming skills will still be important but languages will be more mature and graduates need to be aware of the different available tools and resources online and how they can be used
Izzat Alsmadi: Computing fields are unique that they have a very large spectrum of possible jobs.
New graduates should be open and flexible to seek opportunities beyond a narrow focus that they may have in mind.
The degree itself is a great start but in most cases will not be enough and you have to seek own training in new software, tools, etc.
Certificates can be also important for some particular sub-disciplines (e.g. cyber security)
Izzat Alsmadi: The market is very large, make your deep analysis on top trending jobs, their pays and requirements, unlikely to have high paying jobs for fresh graduates with extra skills, certificates, etc.
Anil Agarwal: Some skills will always be in Demand - such as Interpersonal communications , Project Management , Learning different languages and having great listening skills. What new skills will be in demand : Social media, content and Digital marketing. Data Analytics and or Business Analytics. Cross cultural management , Leadership Skills. Financial Management . Getting an MBA, MFS ( Masters of Finance ) , MSM ( Masters in Analytical Marketing ) or a Masters in Economics or an MHA ( Masters in Health Sciences. The fields of Bio Technology are also exploding if that is your bent of mind.
Middle Georgia State University
Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services
Tina Ashford: Technical expertise is crucial: cloud fluency, cybersecurity awareness, and understanding Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) potential, however, soft skills are equally important - clarity in communication, seamless collaboration, and an ever-growing appetite for learning to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape. Even with AI on the scene, uniquely human problem-solving and fresh ideas will set you apart. This blend of technical and soft skill agility, and never-ending curiosity should bring you success in the field of IT.
Tina Ashford: Build relationships with professionals in your industry. This can lead to new opportunities and provide valuable insights. If you have multiple job offers, use them to negotiate a better deal. However, remember to consider factors like career growth and job satisfaction along with the salary. Keep improving your skills through courses, certifications, or volunteering. The more skilled you are, the higher your earning potential. Don't hesitate to seek advice from career coaches, mentors, or HR professionals. They can provide personalized guidance to help you navigate your career path. Remember, increasing your earnings is a continuous process, not a one-time event. By strategically investing in your skills and staying informed about your industry, you can confidently navigate and achieve a fulfilling and financially rewarding career.
Tina Ashford: My first piece of advice is to embrace lifelong learning. Tech never sleeps, so neither should your curiosity. View mistakes as growth opportunities, and stay a student forever. Next, optimize your communication and teamwork skills to bridge the gap between techies and everyone else. Critical thinking is your secret sauce, so use it to solve problems creatively and anticipate the future. Finally, specialization is great, but keep an open mind. A broader skillset makes you adaptable, ready to seize unexpected opportunities. Network actively, build relationships, and most importantly, stay passionate. Let your tech enthusiasm fuel your career.