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The differences between applications systems analysts and lead system 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 systems analyst and a lead system analyst. Additionally, a lead system analyst has an average salary of $106,561, 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 a lead system analyst are project management, architecture, and C #.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $85,113 | $106,561 |
| Hourly rate | $40.92 | $51.23 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 154,067 | 124,634 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A lead system analyst is someone who designs and analyzes existing systems used in a company. The person getting this position is tasked with reviewing all existing business processes, providing suggestions for improvements, and requesting upgrades. This position is vital for many businesses, especially ones focused on rapid business processing activities. Alongside this primary role, the lead system analyst also guides clients on the proper course of business systems and what changes are necessary to maximize the business's potential for success.
Applications systems analysts and lead system analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Average salary | $85,113 | $106,561 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $110,000 | Between $82,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Asana | Starbucks |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Retail |
There are a few differences between an applications systems analyst and a lead system analyst in terms of educational background:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between applications systems analysts' and lead system analysts' demographics:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.9% Female, 39.1% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |