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The differences between systems programmers and programmer 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 systems programmer, becoming a programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $71,563 average annual salary of a programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for a programmer analyst are sql server, C++, and java.
| Systems Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $71,563 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $34.41 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 248,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
A systems programmer is responsible for managing and installing software systems and applications to the company's computer networks to support the efficiency of business functions and operations. Systems programmers coordinate with the systems analyst to conduct quality checks and running configuration tests to ensure the stability of applications and avoid downtimes. They also create resolution reports, design servers, and upgrade network infrastructure as often as needed. A systems programmer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially the expert command of programming languages and codes.
A programmer analyst is responsible for monitoring database performance and software applications, performing basic troubleshooting, and improving program operations as needed. Programmer analysts' duties also include making adjustments on the system based on client's specifications, creating reports for any updates and new system procedures, designing specific technology solutions to improve the business operations, and performing necessary code adjustments. A programmer analyst must have extensive knowledge of computer systems and procedures, as well as critical-thinking skills to perform complex tasks under minimal supervision.
Systems programmers and programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $71,563 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $55,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Western Digital |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between systems programmers' and programmer analysts' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 14.9% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 19.2% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |