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The differences between software programmers and software analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a software programmer, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software analyst has an average salary of $78,400, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a software programmer include java, javascript and software development. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Programmer | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $71,612 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $34.43 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 253,235 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
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.
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
Software programmers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Programmer | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $71,612 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $92,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Panaya | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software programmer and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Programmer | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software programmers' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Programmer | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |