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The differences between programmers and analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a programmer, becoming an analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an analyst has an average salary of $73,007, which is higher than the $73,007 average annual salary of a programmer.
The top three skills for a programmer include java, javascript and CSS. The most important skills for an analyst are customer service, troubleshoot, and data analysis.
| Programmer | Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $73,007 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $35.10 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 234,565 | 253,138 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Analysts are employees or individual contributors with a vast experience in a particular field that help the organization address challenges. They help the organization improve processes, policies, and other operations protocol by studying the current processes in place and determining the effectiveness of those processes. They also research industry trends and data to make sound inferences and recommendations on what the company should do to improve their numbers. Analysts recommend business solutions and often help the organization roll out these solutions. They ensure that the proposed action plans are effective and produce the desired results.
Programmers and analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer | Analyst | |
| Average salary | $73,007 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $98,000 | Between $53,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a programmer and an analyst in terms of educational background:
| Programmer | Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between programmers' and analysts' demographics:
| Programmer | Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 52.4% Female, 47.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 14.3% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |