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The differences between functional analysts and software analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a functional analyst and a software analyst. Additionally, a functional analyst has an average salary of $96,841, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a functional analyst include business process, lifecycle management and HR. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Functional Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $96,841 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $46.56 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 52,085 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Functional analysts are professionals specializing in a specific line of business, technology, and industry. They collect information by interviewing managers and employees and studying the company's systems and procedures. They design computer systems that meet business requirements and prepare reports for the managers. Additional duties for this role include installing and configuring new systems, running tests to ensure that specifications are met, and writing user manuals. Functional analysts are also responsible for conducting training on new capabilities to existing end-users.
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.
Functional analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Functional Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $96,841 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $131,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Apple | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a functional analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Functional Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between functional analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Functional Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.9% Female, 44.1% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 19.5% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 8% | 8% |