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The differences between computer scientists and computer systems analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a computer scientist, becoming a computer systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer scientist has an average salary of $103,238, which is higher than the $82,655 average annual salary of a computer systems analyst.
The top three skills for a computer scientist include python, computer system and machine learning. The most important skills for a computer systems analyst are computer system, database, and C++.
| Computer Scientist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $103,238 | $82,655 |
| Hourly rate | $49.63 | $39.74 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 59,802 | 118,439 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A computer scientist is responsible for analyzing network infrastructure and designing efficient computer systems according to clients' specifications and business functions. Computer scientists inspect the safety and security of the organization's database, ensuring its protection from malicious activities and unauthorized access. They also manage a large scale of software applications, identifying technical opportunities to improve optimal performance and navigations. A computer scientist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, strong command on programming languages and system codes, and the ability to solve technical complexities for conceptualization.
A computer systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.
Computer scientists and computer systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Scientist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $103,238 | $82,655 |
| Salary range | Between $74,000 And $144,000 | Between $60,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer scientist and a computer systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Scientist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer scientists' and computer systems analysts' demographics:
| Computer Scientist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.8% Female, 21.2% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 18.8% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |