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The differences between senior programmer analysts and senior systems analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a senior programmer analyst and a senior systems analyst. Additionally, a senior programmer analyst has an average salary of $95,174, which is higher than the $82,717 average annual salary of a senior systems analyst.
The top three skills for a senior programmer analyst include java, C++ and sql server. The most important skills for a senior systems analyst are project management, java, and sql server.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $95,174 | $82,717 |
| Hourly rate | $45.76 | $39.77 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 164,022 | 154,569 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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 systems analyst is responsible for analyzing IT systems and networks, modifying existing systems for better optimization, and designing efficient technology systems from clients' specifications and business needs. Senior systems analysts regularly inspect the performance of the system networks, ensuring its efficiency and accuracy to support daily operations. They perform troubleshooting, upgrade network infrastructures, and maintain the highest security of the database. A senior systems analyst must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry and a strong command of system languages to mitigate system complexities and improve network processes.
Senior programmer analysts and senior systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $95,174 | $82,717 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $122,000 | Between $63,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | AEA Investors | Credit Karma |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a senior programmer analyst and a senior systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Systems 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 | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between senior programmer analysts' and senior systems analysts' demographics:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% | Male, 72.2% Female, 27.8% |
| 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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |