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The differences between functional consultants and associate consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a functional consultant, becoming an associate consultant takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a functional consultant has an average salary of $85,317, which is higher than the $73,340 average annual salary of an associate consultant.
The top three skills for a functional consultant include business process, prototyping and ERP. The most important skills for an associate consultant are healthcare, customer service, and project management.
| Functional Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $85,317 | $73,340 |
| Hourly rate | $41.02 | $35.26 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 51,066 | 94,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A functional consultant is responsible for supporting a team of business analysts and software engineers in designing and creating a software system and related computer applications, following the specifications of a client on their software needs. Functional consultants analyze different technological approaches, evaluate technical solutions, and utilize the best system method to meet the requirements of a client efficiently. A functional consultant performs multiple diagnostic tests to ensure the optimal performance of the system. They should also have excellent communication skills, especially in coordinating with the clients on updates and adjustments as needed.
An associate consultant is responsible for evaluating the project requirements based on clients' specifications, ensuring that the team meets project deliverables efficiently. Associate consultants test system applications and network infrastructure to recommend possible modifications for optimal performance and flawless navigation. They also identify cost-efficient business opportunities to gain more clients and improve overall project management procedures. An associate consultant may also facilitate training programs for the staff to maximize their productivity and hone their potential.
Functional consultants and associate consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Functional Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Average salary | $85,317 | $73,340 |
| Salary range | Between $65,000 And $110,000 | Between $60,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Workday | Practice Fusion |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between a functional consultant and an associate consultant in terms of educational background:
| Functional Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | - | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between functional consultants' and associate consultants' demographics:
| Functional Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% | Male, 55.5% Female, 44.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 25.2% White, 51.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 14.3% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 12% |