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The differences between database analysts and software 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 database analyst, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a database analyst has an average salary of $85,660, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a database analyst include database management, database design and data analysis. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Database Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $85,660 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $41.18 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 77,072 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A database analyst is primarily responsible for devising strategies on how to handle a company's collection of data and information. Typically, they are in charge of designing and implementing databases, evaluating existing ones, and providing recommendations for improvement. They are also responsible for testing, populating, and maintaining databases, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Furthermore, as a database analyst, it is essential to adhere to the company's policies and regulations, all while coordinating with other administrators to make sure that all processes align with the company's goals.
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
Database analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Database Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $85,660 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $116,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a database analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Database Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between database analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Database Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.3% Female, 37.7% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 19.3% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |