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The differences between computer systems analysts and software engineers 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 engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Computer systems analysts and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a computer systems analyst and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and software engineers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |