What does a programmer analyst do?
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.
Programmer analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real programmer analyst resumes:
- Use scripting languages (shell, PERL) to automate routine data management tasks and reporting.
- Develop and manage voice network trouble diagnosis and resolution matrices base on GUI interfaces base on HTML coding and XML mapping.
- Manage code repository structure and environment for various application using TFS.
- Manage to increase company productivity by implementing digital scanning system to replace handwriting practices while being responsible for entire SDLC process.
- Develop web-based application using MVC and HTML5, CSS, JQUERY, JavaScript.
- Implement JavaScript functionality in front end designing and rich user interface.
- Use window s API to access IBM mainframe host emulator session by sending keystrokes and performing other emulator relate functions.
- Develop HTML and java applications using WebObjects graphical assistant.
- Designate department 'Security administrator' for UNIX mainframe account support.
- Handle calls from controller to UI.
- Upgrade windows servers to support the application.
- Develop a data extraction for a statewide crime incident project.
- Solve assigned DYL280, COBOL software issues ahead of schedule.
- Assist the development team until the system is migrated to UAT.
- Handle all the defects smoothly find during testing and provide support during UAT.
Programmer analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Programmer Analysts are proficient in SQL Server, C++, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Programmer Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- SQL Server, 8%
Performed requirements analysis, designed and implemented a military targeting web application using Cold Fusion and SQL Server 2000.
- C++, 8%
Designed and implemented prototype for reverse engineering C++ code into an object-oriented design tool.
- Java, 8%
Gathered vendor and DIT requirements for JAVA system modifications and ensured issues were properly escalated for resolution.
- JavaScript, 5%
Analyzed/Designed web applications that allowed users to retrieve and receive information about our data using JavaScript, PowerBuilder and HTML.
- Data Warehouse, 4%
Re-Structured DataMart to align with overall Enterprise data warehouse eliminating overhead and redundancies providing for a more centralized, manageable solution.
- Web Services, 4%
Modified Struts configuration files as per application requirements and developed Web services for non java clients to obtain user information.
"sql server," "c++," and "java" are among the most common skills that programmer analysts use at work. You can find even more programmer analyst responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a programmer analyst to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what programmer analysts do because "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Additionally, a programmer analyst resume shows how programmer analysts use communication skills: "project: telecommunication software and banking software application description: develops and maintains modular applications for small to medium erp applications. "
Creativity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling programmer analyst duties is creativity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." According to a programmer analyst resume, here's how programmer analysts can utilize creativity in their job responsibilities: "promoted to primary for it support for the erp manufacturing, purchasing, distribution, engineering and inventory control applications. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of programmer analysts is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday programmer analyst duties, as "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "analyzed and designed document specifications to design j2ee application. "
The three companies that hire the most programmer analysts are:
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Compare different programmer analysts
Programmer analyst vs. Systems analyst programmer
A Systems Analyst Programmer provides technical expertise and recommendations in evaluating new IT software projects. They also indentify solutions and opportunities that can enhance the efficiency of business processes.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between programmer analysts and systems analyst programmer. For instance, programmer analyst responsibilities require skills such as "sql server," "web services," "technical support," and "c # .net." Whereas a systems analyst programmer is skilled in "c #," "database design," "software development," and "microsoft sql server." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Systems analyst programmers tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $94,914. In contrast, programmer analysts make the biggest average salary, $76,037, in the finance industry.systems analyst programmers tend to reach similar levels of education than programmer analysts. In fact, systems analyst programmers are 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Programmer analyst vs. Analyst lead
The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that programmer analyst responsibilities requires skills like "c++," "javascript," "web services," and "css." But an analyst lead might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "analytics," "data analysis," "project management," and "customer service."
On average, analyst leads earn a higher salary than programmer analysts. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, analyst leads earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $110,488. Whereas programmer analysts have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $76,037.analyst leads earn similar levels of education than programmer analysts in general. They're 3.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for programmer analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin
Professor of Statistics & Mathematics Assistant Chair of Mathematics Programs Actuarial Science and Statistics Program Coordinator, University of Central Missouri
Programmer analyst vs. Applications programmer
An application programmer is responsible for creating and designing computer systems and applications according to client specifications and business requirements. Application programmers run quality checks on the draft outputs to ensure its stability and efficiency for high-level performance. They also evaluate existing applications and recommend technical solutions to improve scalability. An application programmer must have excellent technical skills with a strong command of programming languages and system codes to determine the feasibility of applications and adjust features as needed.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a programmer analyst is likely to be skilled in "data warehouse," "technical support," "xml," and "mainframe," while a typical applications programmer is skilled in "c #," "database," "windows," and "html css."
Applications programmers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $99,211. Comparatively, programmer analysts have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $76,037.When it comes to education, applications programmers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to programmer analysts. In fact, they're 0.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Programmer analyst vs. Software programmer
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.
Types of programmer analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
