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The differences between applications systems 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 systems analyst and a software analyst. Additionally, an applications systems analyst has an average salary of $85,113, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for an applications systems analyst include project management, technical support and HR. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $85,113 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $40.92 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 154,067 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 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 systems analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $85,113 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $110,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Asana | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an applications systems analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between applications systems analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.9% Female, 39.1% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 10.1% 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% |