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The differences between applications systems analysts and applications 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 systems analyst, becoming an applications developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an applications developer has an average salary of $89,205, which is higher than the $85,113 average annual salary of an applications systems analyst.
The top three skills for an applications systems analyst include project management, technical support and HR. The most important skills for an applications developer are java, javascript, and C++.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,113 | $89,205 |
| Hourly rate | $40.92 | $42.89 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 154,067 | 279,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
An application system analyst is responsible for designing data and network systems, following clients' specifications, user requirements, and business guidelines. Application system analysts manage the network infrastructure and the system's optimal performance by upgrading features and revising application designs to improve navigation efficiency and prevent downtimes. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the applications, identify inconsistencies, and create reports of modifications. An application system analyst must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages to determine the best system procedures that would suit the clients' needs based on their budget goals.
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Applications systems analysts and applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $85,113 | $89,205 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $110,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Washington |
| Best paying company | Asana | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between an applications systems analyst and an applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between applications systems analysts' and applications developers' demographics:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.9% Female, 39.1% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |