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The differences between computer systems analysts and software developers 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 software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, which is higher than the $82,655 average annual salary of a computer systems analyst.
The top three skills for a computer systems analyst include computer system, database and C++. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| 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.
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Computer systems analysts and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer systems analyst and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and software developers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |