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The differences between equity research analysts and contract analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an equity research analyst and a contract analyst. Additionally, an equity research analyst has an average salary of $119,540, which is higher than the $54,544 average annual salary of a contract analyst.
The top three skills for an equity research analyst include financial models, macro and securities. The most important skills for a contract analyst are customer service, contract management, and contract terms.
| Equity Research Analyst | Contract Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $119,540 | $54,544 |
| Hourly rate | $57.47 | $26.22 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 85,974 | 58,593 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An equity research analyst is responsible for analyzing stock and securities markets, generating reports and performance projections, and advising clients on the best options for clients' financial portfolios. Equity research analysts should have excellent knowledge of the current stock market trends, especially the availability of the securities to identify investments that would sell in public. They evaluate the clients' needs out of their investment interests and risk appetite. An equity research analyst must be highly-communicative and analytical, especially on responding to clients' inquiries and concerns and informing investment managers on the stock and securities available.
A contract analyst is primarily in charge of thoroughly reviewing contract terms and conditions, negotiating and addressing changes on behalf of a company or an individual, and avoiding financial disadvantages or any disputes. They are responsible for consulting with clients, analyzing clauses and liabilities, recommending amendments, documenting all transactions, and monitoring every change in the contract. Furthermore, there are instances when a contract analyst must coordinate with all department officers, advising them of any significant changes that the contracts might bring.
Equity research analysts and contract analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Equity Research Analyst | Contract Analyst | |
| Average salary | $119,540 | $54,544 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $182,000 | Between $39,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Simmons Energy | AstraZeneca |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an equity research analyst and a contract analyst in terms of educational background:
| Equity Research Analyst | Contract Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Finance | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between equity research analysts' and contract analysts' demographics:
| Equity Research Analyst | Contract Analyst | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.8% Female, 23.2% | Male, 41.2% Female, 58.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |