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The differences between applications analysts and application software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an applications analyst, becoming an application software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an application software developer has an average salary of $104,724, which is higher than the $80,144 average annual salary of an applications analyst.
The top three skills for an applications analyst include healthcare, customer service and patients. The most important skills for an application software developer are java, C++, and javascript.
| Applications Analyst | Application Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $80,144 | $104,724 |
| Hourly rate | $38.53 | $50.35 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 110,833 | 299,719 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
An applications analyst is an individual hired by a company to administer, monitor, and maintain all its software infrastructure and applications. Applications analysts must ensure the integrity and safety of all data and applications so that the company business can run smoothly and succeed. They are required to collaborate with applications developers and software engineers to provide a diagnosis of application errors and create long- and short-term resolutions. Applications analysts should also provide training and support of staff in using applications.
An application software developer is responsible for creating and designing software systems and applications according to the clients' specifications or business demands. Application software developers operate various system tools and programming codes to customize programs, implement software solutions, modify test codes, and update existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. They perform multiple diagnostic tests before releasing outputs to ensure its stability, smooth navigation, and flawless transitions. An application software developer coordinates with the clients or supervisor for the project updates, following the budget goals and timeframes.
Applications analysts and application software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Analyst | Application Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $80,144 | $104,724 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $109,000 | Between $80,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Ceridian | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Professional |
There are a few differences between an applications analyst and an application software developer in terms of educational background:
| Applications Analyst | Application Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between applications analysts' and application software developers' demographics:
| Applications Analyst | Application Software Developer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.4% Female, 44.6% | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |