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The differences between senior programmer analysts and software 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 software programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a senior programmer analyst has an average salary of $95,174, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a senior programmer analyst include java, C++ and sql server. The most important skills for a software programmer are java, javascript, and software development.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,174 | $71,612 |
| Hourly rate | $45.76 | $34.43 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 164,022 | 253,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Senior programmer analysts and software programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Average salary | $95,174 | $71,612 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $122,000 | Between $55,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | AEA Investors | Panaya |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a senior programmer analyst and a software programmer in terms of educational background:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 software programmers' demographics:
| Senior Programmer Analyst | Software Programmer | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% |
| 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, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |