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The differences between senior programmer analysts and computer programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a senior programmer analyst, becoming a computer programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a senior programmer analyst has an average salary of $95,174, which is higher than the $70,979 average annual salary of a computer programmer.
The top three skills for a senior programmer analyst include java, C++ and sql server. The most important skills for a computer programmer are C #, java, and javascript.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,174 | $70,979 |
| Hourly rate | $45.76 | $34.12 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 164,022 | 205,491 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 8 |
A senior programmer/analyst is responsible for developing and sustaining databases and software applications to achieve business requirements. The professional performs development duties such as coding and testing these applications. The core skills that the job requires include familiarity with applicable data privacy practices and laws, a keen eye for details, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Also, the job requires a college diploma or university degree in the field of computer science, information systems, or software engineering.
A Computer Programmer is a specialist in writing computer programs as well as mobile applications. In addition to writing and testing code written, they are responsible for installing updates for software, debugging or improving functionality, troubleshooting parts of the program that is not functioning, and rewriting code for computer programs to be compatible in different operating systems. They also work to prevent data leaks and breaches in security by identifying malicious software and building firewalls.
Senior programmer analysts and computer programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Average salary | $95,174 | $70,979 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $122,000 | Between $55,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | AEA Investors | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a senior programmer analyst and a computer programmer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Chicago |
Here are the differences between senior programmer analysts' and computer programmers' demographics:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Computer Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% | Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.8% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 15.0% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |