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The differences between applications systems 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 systems analyst, becoming a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an applications systems analyst has an average salary of $85,113, which is higher than the $74,431 average annual salary of a business analyst.
The top three skills for an applications systems analyst include project management, technical support and HR. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $85,113 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $40.92 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 154,067 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| 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.
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 systems analysts and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $85,113 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $110,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Washington |
| Best paying company | Asana | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between an applications systems analyst and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between applications systems analysts' and business analysts' demographics:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.9% Female, 39.1% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| 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, 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% |