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The differences between senior programmer analysts and senior quality assurance analysts 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 quality assurance analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior programmer analyst has an average salary of $95,174, which is higher than the $93,563 average annual salary of a senior quality assurance analyst.
The top three skills for a senior programmer analyst include java, C++ and sql server. The most important skills for a senior quality assurance analyst are QA, manual test cases, and regression.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $95,174 | $93,563 |
| Hourly rate | $45.76 | $44.98 |
| Growth rate | 9% | - |
| Number of jobs | 164,022 | 123,719 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
Senior quality assurance analysts are responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance standards within an organization. They collect and analyze data to reinforce proposed projects, systems requirements, and business cases. These will include writing scripts and test plans to monitor errors and fixes in product and software development, operational systems, and information systems. Besides, they are also responsible for several tasks, including preparing reports and recommendations, communicating with suppliers and vendors in assessing applications, and conducting internal audits.
Senior programmer analysts and senior quality assurance analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Average salary | $95,174 | $93,563 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $122,000 | Between $74,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | AEA Investors | Riot Games |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a senior programmer analyst and a senior quality assurance analyst in terms of educational background:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between senior programmer analysts' and senior quality assurance analysts' demographics:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Quality Assurance Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% | Male, 52.8% Female, 47.2% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |