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What does a senior computer programmer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
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Senior computer programmer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior computer programmer resumes:

  • Lead solutions engineering that involve process automation, macro conversion and functionality enhancement.
  • Web development technologies utilize included xHTML, JavaScript (including JQuery), CSS, AJAX, and JSON.
  • Analyze and develop programs in Cobol VSE using SQL, CICS, and SDF.
  • Transform XML can be test using automate scripts for each iteration.
  • Develop a notification platform ba se on PHP to monitor the supply chain module.
  • Develop and maintain inventory, accounting and marketing systems using COBOL language under the Unix operating system.
  • Enhance HTML by using VGR programming to allow clients to place medical and lab orders through websites.
  • Design multiple UNIX systems and maintain the applications that reside on their infrastructure as well as providing the necessary administrative support.
  • Analyze code for system testing and debugging; create test transactions to find, isolate and rectify issues in current systems.
  • Maintain database and user administration on Unix platform.
  • Perform XML transformation and insert it to specific application database.
  • Provide customer assistance including configuring PC memory and software, and installing upgrade hardware and software applications.
  • Facilitate deliverables and SDLC for the development team as well as strengthened vendor relationships to support product lifecycle
  • Serve as analyst/programmer supporting the enhancement and maintenance of actuarial systems within an IBM OS/MVS/COBOL mainframe environment utilizing VM/CMS development tool.
  • File structures used were sequential and VSAM.

Senior computer programmer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Senior Computer Programmers are proficient in C++, C #, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Troubleshooting skills, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Senior Computer Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • C++, 12%

    Green Hills C++ for embedded Freescale ARM Cortex Kinetis K61 microcontroller platforms.

  • C #, 12%

    Coded the modules like Import Manager, Mail Manager, and Order Manager using WinForms using C #.

  • Java, 9%

    Severed as the primary developer for Oracle manufacturing utilizing Java and SQL to customize the application.

  • JavaScript, 7%

    Web development technologies utilized included xHTML, JavaScript (including JQuery), CSS, AJAX, and JSON.

  • HTML, 6%

    Support customers via SharePoint portal troubleshooting, configuring WebParts, and developing HTML based solutions within the SharePoint environment.

  • Windows, 5%

    Created Rights & Permissions Tracking database in FoxPro 2.5/2.6 for Windows.

"c++," "c #," and "java" are among the most common skills that senior computer programmers use at work. You can find even more senior computer programmer responsibilities below, including:

Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for a senior computer programmer to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what senior computer programmers do because "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." Additionally, a senior computer programmer resume shows how senior computer programmers use detail oriented: "created flowcharts to produce detailed logic maps of program requirements in preparation for creating computer programs. "

Troubleshooting skills. Many senior computer programmer duties rely on troubleshooting skills. "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find.," so a senior computer programmer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways senior computer programmer responsibilities rely on troubleshooting skills: "network administration/database design, network troubleshooting and repair, pc troubleshooting and repair. "

Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior computer programmers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday senior computer programmer duties, as "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "developed tools to validate the data and created re-usable utilities in line with agile methodology using perl, java. "

Most common senior computer programmer skills

The three companies that hire the most senior computer programmers are:

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Compare different senior computer programmers

Senior computer programmer vs. Mainframe developer

A mainframe developer specializes in designing and developing information technology systems. Their responsibilities include performing system installations and modifications, creating test structures, gathering and analyzing data, conducting risk assessments, providing support for project requirements, and implementing plans such as disaster recovery and interface layout. They may also investigate client feedback, troubleshoot issues, and perform systems repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a mainframe developer, it is essential to maintain regular maintenance checks, providing technical support and guidelines to company employees.

We looked at the average senior computer programmer salary and compared it with the wages of a mainframe developer. Generally speaking, mainframe developers are paid $6,059 higher than senior computer programmers per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both senior computer programmer and mainframe developer positions are skilled in java, windows, and xml.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, senior computer programmer responsibilities require skills like "c++," "c #," "javascript," and "html." Meanwhile a typical mainframe developer has skills in areas such as "cics," "sql," "mq," and "cobol ii." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Mainframe developers earn the highest salaries when working in the insurance industry, with an average yearly salary of $96,137. On the other hand, senior computer programmers are paid more in the retail industry with an average salary of $90,465.The education levels that mainframe developers earn slightly differ from senior computer programmers. In particular, mainframe developers are 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a senior computer programmer. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior computer programmer vs. Sap/abap developer

An SAP/ABAP developer is responsible for designing and creating software programs and applications through the SAP and ABAP programming codes. They conduct multiple diagnostic tests for newly-created and existing applications to ensure adherence to quality standards and requirements. They also provide technical resolution to end-users for their system issues and upgrade infrastructure to prevent the reoccurrence of downtimes and system failures. An SAP/ABAP developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in evaluating features for smooth navigation and operations.

On average, sap/abap developers earn a $19,589 higher salary than senior computer programmers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Senior computer programmers and sap/abap developers both require similar skills like "java," "html css," and "debugging" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior computer programmer resumes. While senior computer programmer responsibilities can utilize skills like "c++," "c #," "javascript," and "html," sap/abap developers use skills like "sap abap," "sap hana," "sql," and "pi."

On average, sap/abap developers earn a higher salary than senior computer programmers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, sap/abap developers earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $110,167. Whereas senior computer programmers have higher pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $90,465.In general, sap/abap developers achieve higher levels of education than senior computer programmers. They're 8.0% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior computer programmer vs. Program development internship

A Program Development Intern helps to improve the quality of education in schools and other academic institutions. They work in order to gain work experience and satisfy the requirements for a qualification.

On average scale, program development interns bring in lower salaries than senior computer programmers. In fact, they earn a $51,157 lower salary per year.senior computer programmers and program development interns both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "c #," "java," and "html," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from senior computer programmer resumes include skills like "c++," "javascript," "windows," and "software development," whereas a program development internship is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "professional development," "customer satisfaction," and "wordpress. "

Program development interns earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $40,028. Comparatively, senior computer programmers have the highest earning potential in the retail industry, with an average salary of $90,465.Most program development interns achieve a similar degree level compared to senior computer programmers. For example, they're 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior computer programmer vs. Programmer/analyst lead

Programmer/analyst leads tend to earn a higher pay than senior computer programmers by an average of $20,170 per year.While their salaries may vary, senior computer programmers and programmer/analyst leads both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "c++," "c #," and "java. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "software development," "php," "html css," and "computer system" are skills that commonly show up on senior computer programmer resumes. On the other hand, programmer/analyst leads use skills like project management, web services, sdlc, and data warehouse on their resumes.The retail industry tends to pay the highest salaries for programmer/analyst leads, with average annual pay of $110,090. Comparatively, the highest senior computer programmer annual salary comes from the retail industry.The average resume of programmer/analyst leads showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to senior computer programmers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.7%.

Types of senior computer programmer

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.

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