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The differences between applications systems analysts and test 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 test analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an applications systems analyst has an average salary of $85,113, which is higher than the $70,997 average annual salary of a test analyst.
The top three skills for an applications systems analyst include project management, technical support and HR. The most important skills for a test analyst are test scripts, test plan, and regression.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $85,113 | $70,997 |
| Hourly rate | $40.92 | $34.13 |
| Growth rate | 9% | - |
| Number of jobs | 154,067 | 91,308 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.
Applications systems analysts and test analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Applications Systems Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| Average salary | $85,113 | $70,997 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $110,000 | Between $56,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | Asana | General Motors |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between an applications systems analyst and a test analyst in terms of educational background:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| 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 test analysts' demographics:
| Applications Systems Analyst | Test Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.9% Female, 39.1% | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% |
| 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% |