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The differences between systems programmers and senior 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 senior programmer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $95,174 average annual salary of a senior programmer analyst.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for a senior programmer analyst are java, C++, and sql server.
| Systems Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $95,174 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $45.76 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 164,022 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 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.
Systems programmers and senior programmer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $95,174 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $73,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | AEA Investors |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a senior programmer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 senior programmer analysts' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Senior Programmer Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 75.5% Female, 24.5% |
| 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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 14.8% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |