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The differences between systems programmers and systems 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 systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems programmer has an average salary of $96,017, which is higher than the $75,383 average annual salary of a systems analyst.
The top three skills for a systems programmer include provide technical assistance, video conferencing and C++. The most important skills for a systems analyst are customer service, project management, and troubleshoot.
| Systems Programmer | Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $96,017 | $75,383 |
| Hourly rate | $46.16 | $36.24 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 257,681 | 141,289 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.
Systems programmers and systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Programmer | Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $96,017 | $75,383 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $138,000 | Between $58,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a systems programmer and a systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Programmer | Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | 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 systems programmers' and systems analysts' demographics:
| Systems Programmer | Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0% | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |