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Computer consultant vs computer analyst

The differences between computer consultants and computer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer consultant, becoming a computer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer consultant has an average salary of $94,331, which is higher than the $75,852 average annual salary of a computer analyst.

The top three skills for a computer consultant include technical support, database and linux. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.

Computer consultant vs computer analyst overview

Computer ConsultantComputer Analyst
Yearly salary$94,331$75,852
Hourly rate$45.35$36.47
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs79,26375,369
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4243
Years of experience26

What does a computer consultant do?

Computer Consultants assist a company's staff with computer system usage and issues. Computer consultants can be software programmers, hardware system installers, networking specialists, database specialists, and others.

What does a computer analyst do?

A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.

Computer consultant vs computer analyst salary

Computer consultants and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer ConsultantComputer Analyst
Average salary$94,331$75,852
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $131,000Between $57,000 And $99,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyNovartisCiti
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between computer consultant and computer analyst education

There are a few differences between a computer consultant and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:

Computer ConsultantComputer Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Computer consultant vs computer analyst demographics

Here are the differences between computer consultants' and computer analysts' demographics:

Computer ConsultantComputer Analyst
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 78.2% Female, 21.8%Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 13.2% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%8%

Differences between computer consultant and computer analyst duties and responsibilities

Computer consultant example responsibilities.

  • Manage hardware design, install custom Linux desktop operating system, integrate software written in C++.
  • Manage configuration and connectivity of customer virtual networks through VMware tools.
  • Convert existing VHS tapes into digital clips to use in Powerpoint.
  • Install and configure AcuConnect on the LINUX servers for thin client access from windows.
  • Diagnose connection to the on-campus networks and services through OS, VPN and/or proxy configuration.
  • Create, design and maintain web sites for small businesses using (HTML/DHTML, JavaScript, Perl/CGI )
  • Show more

Computer analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage and create custom DNS for customers.
  • Manage technology deployment of major projects implementing select solutions using ITIL practices.
  • Serve as systems and network administrator managing hundreds of distribute Linux computers across campuses.
  • Manage inventory of forensic hardware and software utilities of forensic laboratory as well as maintaining forensic workstations and laboratory LAN.
  • Support OS environment, mainframe environment and PC's.
  • Schedule jobs, write Unix and Linux shell scripts, develop standards.
  • Show more

Computer consultant vs computer analyst skills

Common computer consultant skills
  • Technical Support, 11%
  • Database, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Desk Support, 5%
  • Microsoft Windows, 4%
Common computer analyst skills
  • Computer System, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • C++, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Linux, 5%
  • Technical Support, 5%

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