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The differences between applications analysts and business analysts 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 a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an applications analyst has an average salary of $80,144, which is higher than the $74,431 average annual salary of a business analyst.
The top three skills for an applications analyst include healthcare, customer service and patients. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Applications Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $80,144 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $38.53 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 110,833 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| 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.
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
Applications analysts and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $80,144 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $109,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Ceridian | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between an applications analyst and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Applications Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between applications analysts' and business analysts' demographics:
| Applications Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.4% Female, 44.6% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |