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The differences between information 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 an information analyst and a software analyst. Additionally, a software analyst has an average salary of $78,400, which is higher than the $75,933 average annual salary of an information analyst.
The top three skills for an information analyst include patients, data entry and data analysis. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Information Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $75,933 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 141,418 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
Information Analysts are employees who collect data and analyze the information from the data they collected. They are usually found in companies with information technology departments. They collect network, software, or hardware performance data and analyze these data. The data that Information Analysts collect would help in identifying and anticipating problems in the system. As such, they will be able to troubleshoot and provide a sound analysis of the systems and networks. They would then be able to give recommendations to address problems, based on what they analyzed.
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.
Information analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $75,933 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $104,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Putnam Investments | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an information analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Information Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Information Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.7% Female, 48.3% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.0% 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% |