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The differences between category analysts and research analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a category analyst and a research analyst. Additionally, a research analyst has an average salary of $70,232, which is higher than the $60,658 average annual salary of a category analyst.
The top three skills for a category analyst include powerpoint, IRI and data analysis. The most important skills for a research analyst are data analysis, data collection, and research projects.
| Category Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $60,658 | $70,232 |
| Hourly rate | $29.16 | $33.77 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 17,182 | 81,374 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A category analyst is responsible for evaluating the category management systems to improve efficiency and maximize the productivity of distribution departments and achieve the highest customer satisfaction. Category analysts coordinate with suppliers and third-party vendors, negotiate pricing contracts, research on current market trends for product selection, and maintain the adequacy of stock inventories. They also develop cost-reduction techniques by conducting data analysis and studying the current operational policies. A category analyst works closely with the marketing and sales team to identify business opportunities, implementing promotional techniques, and increase brand awareness to the public market.
A research analyst is responsible for providing a company with insights and advice concerning finance, investments, and expenditures. Utilizing their analytical skills and extensive expertise in marketing, they analyze the trends and significant factors to conclude which decision should be the best to make. They can also take part in conducting an in-depth analysis of a business and examine which areas require improvement or has potential. Furthermore, they may work with a company or independently as a freelance analyst.
Category analysts and research analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Category Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Average salary | $60,658 | $70,232 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $84,000 | Between $45,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Education | Finance |
There are a few differences between a category analyst and a research analyst in terms of educational background:
| Category Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between category analysts' and research analysts' demographics:
| Category Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.4% Female, 51.6% | Male, 50.8% Female, 49.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 11.9% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |