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The differences between senior programmer analysts and senior 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 senior programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a senior programmer has an average salary of $105,509, which is higher than the $95,174 average annual salary of a senior programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a senior programmer analyst include java, C++ and sql server. The most important skills for a senior programmer are macro, SAS, and database.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,174 | $105,509 |
| Hourly rate | $45.76 | $50.73 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 164,022 | 209,882 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 Senior Programmer develops operations solutions through guiding the development of program specifications and leading programmers. They develop, test, and implement IT solutions.
Senior programmer analysts and senior programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Average salary | $95,174 | $105,509 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $122,000 | Between $78,000 And $141,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | AEA Investors | Cornerstone Research |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a senior programmer analyst and a senior programmer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | 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 senior programmer analysts' and senior programmers' demographics:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% | Male, 81.0% Female, 19.0% |
| 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, 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 | 8% | 11% |