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The differences between advanced software engineers and software analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an advanced software engineer, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an advanced software engineer has an average salary of $101,121, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for an advanced software engineer include java, python and linux. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Advanced Software Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $101,121 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $48.62 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 263,252 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
An advanced software engineer plans, designs, and develops software according to customers' requirements. They work with a company's IT branch. A software engineer's responsibility is to ensure that an application, software, or program is free from bugs, has a user-friendly user interface, and performs what it is programmed to do. They are also responsible for updates and troubleshooting after software is released.
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.
Advanced software engineers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Advanced Software Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $101,121 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $126,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Oregon |
| Best paying company | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an advanced software engineer and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Advanced Software Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | 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 advanced software engineers' and software analysts' demographics:
| Advanced Software Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 31.4% White, 50.9% 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 | 8% | 8% |