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The differences between implementation specialists and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an implementation specialist, becoming a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a business analyst has an average salary of $74,431, which is higher than the $56,545 average annual salary of an implementation specialist.
The top three skills for an implementation specialist include client expectations, customer service and business processes. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Implementation Specialist | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $56,545 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $27.19 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 50,975 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
As the name entails, implementation specialists perform tasks related to the implementation of computer software and hardware, technical systems, or solutions. They are responsible for identifying clients' needs and determining how they will use the software or systems that they have acquired. They may also assist clients in setting up their equipment and perform additional tasks such as importing client data, creating customized reports, and modifying metrics. There are certain skills and qualifications to be considered to apply for this role, which includes a bachelor's degree in business, in-depth technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
Implementation specialists and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Implementation Specialist | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $56,545 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $87,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between an implementation specialist and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Implementation Specialist | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between implementation specialists' and business analysts' demographics:
| Implementation Specialist | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 10.7% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |