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The differences between applications analysts and software 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 software analyst. Additionally, an applications analyst has an average salary of $80,144, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for an applications analyst include healthcare, customer service and patients. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Applications Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $80,144 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $38.53 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 110,833 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 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.
Applications analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $80,144 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $109,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Ceridian | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an applications analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Applications Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between applications analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Applications Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.4% Female, 44.6% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 10.1% 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% |