Post job

What is a senior computer programmer/analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
James Sellmann Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a senior computer programmer/analyst. For example, did you know that they make an average of $37.06 an hour? That's $77,095 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 9% and produce 56,000 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a senior computer programmer/analyst?

James Sellmann Ph.D.

Dean, Professor of Philosophy and Micronesian Studies, University of Guam

General advice is to keep in mind that you must leverage your skills, especially your soft skills of being able to work with people, to communicate effectively and to be able to solve problems. Be real. Don't try to pretend to be someone else to impress others. Be your authentic self. And show up on time.

ScoreSenior Computer Programmer/AnalystUS Average
Salary
6.0

Avg. Salary $77,095

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 14.14%

Black or African American 10.20%

Hispanic or Latino 10.98%

Unknown 5.00%

White 59.49%

Gender

female 25.73%

male 74.27%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior computer programmer/analyst career paths

Key steps to become a senior computer programmer/analyst

  1. Explore senior computer programmer/analyst education requirements

    Most common senior computer programmer/analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.4 %

    Associate

    16.7 %

    Master's

    8.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior computer programmer/analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java19.44%
    Computer System13.33%
    JavaScript11.95%
    HTML10.66%
    Payroll6.55%
  3. Complete relevant senior computer programmer/analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior computer programmer/analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior computer programmer/analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior computer programmer/analyst resumes.
  4. Research senior computer programmer/analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Design system architecture for managing and deploying distribute databases to sales representatives.
    • File structures used were sequential, DB2 and VSAM.
    • Maintain and develop extensive on-line financial accounting systems and numerous smaller applications using CICS, IMS and DB2.
    • Support IBM (VM) and Unix systems.
  5. Get senior computer programmer/analyst experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior computer programmer/analyst. The most common roles before becoming a senior computer programmer/analyst include computer programmer analyst, computer programmer team lead and programmer analyst.
  6. Prepare your senior computer programmer/analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior computer programmer/analyst resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior computer programmer/analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior computer programmer/analyst resume templates

    Build a professional senior computer programmer/analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior computer programmer/analyst resume.
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
    Senior Computer Programmer/Analyst Resume
  7. Apply for senior computer programmer/analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior computer programmer/analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior computer programmer/analyst job

Zippi

Are you a senior computer programmer/analyst?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average senior computer programmer/analyst salary

The average senior computer programmer/analyst salary in the United States is $77,095 per year or $37 per hour. Senior computer programmer/analyst salaries range between $60,000 and $98,000 per year.

Average senior computer programmer/analyst salary
$77,095 Yearly
$37.06 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do senior computer programmer/analysts rate their job?

Working as a senior computer programmer/analyst? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs