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The differences between applications analysts and computer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an applications analyst and a computer analyst. Additionally, an applications analyst has an average salary of $80,144, which is higher than the $75,852 average annual salary of a computer analyst.
The top three skills for an applications analyst include healthcare, customer service and patients. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.
| Applications Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $80,144 | $75,852 |
| Hourly rate | $38.53 | $36.47 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 110,833 | 75,369 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
Applications analysts and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $80,144 | $75,852 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $109,000 | Between $57,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Ceridian | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between an applications analyst and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Applications Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between applications analysts' and computer analysts' demographics:
| Applications Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.4% Female, 44.6% | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |