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The differences between programmers and senior programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a programmer and a senior programmer. Additionally, a senior programmer has an average salary of $105,509, 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 a senior programmer are macro, SAS, and database.
| Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,007 | $105,509 |
| Hourly rate | $35.10 | $50.73 |
| Growth rate | -7% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 234,565 | 209,882 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 8 |
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.
A Senior Programmer develops operations solutions through guiding the development of program specifications and leading programmers. They develop, test, and implement IT solutions.
Programmers and senior programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Average salary | $73,007 | $105,509 |
| Salary range | Between $54,000 And $98,000 | Between $78,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bothell, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Cornerstone Research |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a programmer and a senior programmer in terms of educational background:
| Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between programmers' and senior programmers' demographics:
| Programmer | Senior Programmer | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |