Implementation specialist vs implementation analyst

The differences between implementation specialists and implementation 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 an implementation analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an implementation analyst has an average salary of $82,268, 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 an implementation analyst are client facing, data analysis, and shared services.

Implementation specialist vs implementation analyst overview

	Implementation Specialist	Implementation Analyst
Yearly salary	$56,545	$82,268
Hourly rate	$27.19	$39.55
Growth rate	10%	9%
Number of jobs	50,975	108,170
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	42	43
Years of experience	2	6

What does an implementation specialist do?

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.

What does an implementation analyst do?

An implementation analyst is an individual who is responsible for conducting data analysis and software testing when a company is doing a software upgrade. Implementation analysts must ensure that the company has the appropriate equipment to meet its operational needs by determining which hardware and software they should use. They provide workshops and conduct education for trainers on the functionality of the product as well as to conduct tests to ensure the proper functionality of the product. Implementation analysts must also prepare budgets for proposed equipment or tailor their recommendations to fit an established budget.

Implementation specialist vs implementation analyst salary

Implementation specialists and implementation analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Implementation Specialist	Implementation Analyst
Average salary	$56,545	$82,268
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $87,000	Between $60,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Hawaii	New Jersey
Best paying company	Google	OpenGov
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between implementation specialist and implementation analyst education

There are a few differences between an implementation specialist and an implementation analyst in terms of educational background:

	Implementation Specialist	Implementation Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Implementation specialist vs implementation analyst demographics

Here are the differences between implementation specialists' and implementation analysts' demographics:

	Implementation Specialist	Implementation Analyst
Average age	42	43
Gender ratio	Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7%	Male, 49.4% Female, 50.6%
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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	11%	8%

Differences between implementation specialist and implementation analyst duties and responsibilities

Implementation specialist example responsibilities.

Well verse on windows platform including managing the cluster services.
Select as CSS to manage clients with 500 plus employees.
Code and manage HTML email templates and landing pages for ongoing database marketing campaigns.
Manage a variety of major projects for SaaS EMR software used by nursing and anesthesia groups.
Lead the design, implementation, and configuration of EMC ControlCenter environment for new installs and upgrades.
Develop and manage SAAS solution implementation projects.

Implementation analyst example responsibilities.

Modify and create UNIX and TCL scripts to automate processes and to create utilities.
Manage service communication for patches/deployments through SharePoint and weekly emails for products.
Utilize extensive payroll and human resource knowledge to coordinate and manage multiple complex implementation projects simultaneously.
Maintain third-party software by building, testing, and distributing rpm packages to Linux workstations.
Used Microsoft Visio to maintain and update network diagrams, allowing network changes to be quickly document.
Analyze and resolve billing edits on billed/unbil accounts, verifying orders, determining medical necessity per CMS guidelines.

Implementation specialist vs implementation analyst skills

Common implementation specialist skills

Client Expectations, 12%
Customer Service, 10%
Business Processes, 10%
Project Management, 8%
Enterprise Resource Planning, 4%
Product Knowledge, 3%

Common implementation analyst skills

Client Facing, 19%
Data Analysis, 13%
Shared Services, 9%
Project Management, 8%
Customer Service, 6%
Process Improvement, 6%

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Implementation Specialist vs Implementation Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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