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The differences between computer systems analysts and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a computer systems analyst, becoming a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, which is higher than the $74,431 average annual salary of a business analyst.
The top three skills for a computer systems analyst include computer system, database and C++. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
Computer systems analysts and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer systems analyst and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and business analysts' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |