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The differences between information technology lead analysts and senior information technology specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an information technology lead analyst, becoming a senior information technology specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an information technology lead analyst has an average salary of $112,001, which is higher than the $103,478 average annual salary of a senior information technology specialist.
The top three skills for an information technology lead analyst include project management, data analysis and java. The most important skills for a senior information technology specialist are customer service, database, and technical support.
| Information Technology Lead Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $112,001 | $103,478 |
| Hourly rate | $53.85 | $49.75 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 169,865 | 111,996 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
An information technology lead analyst leads a team of information technology (IT) professionals, providing guidance and expertise in complex IT analysis and solutions. You will assist in developing strategic plans for software development and modification within your expertise. Other duties include analyzing and evaluating computer network design, overseeing the design, development, installation, and configuration of complex network infrastructure, and coordinating with network or systems administrators to implement software applications. You are also responsible for providing after-hours technology support when necessary.
A senior information technology specialist is responsible for handling technology systems and network issues, ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of the database by configuration and improving network infrastructures. Senior information technology specialists also design computer systems and applications to support business functions and operations, depending on the requirements and budget limitations. They create resolution reports for reference and recommend strategic techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of defects and malfunctions. A senior information technology specialist must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in responding to the end-users' inquiries and concerns about the servers.
Information technology lead analysts and senior information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Lead Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $112,001 | $103,478 |
| Salary range | Between $87,000 And $142,000 | Between $78,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Jersey City, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Ropes & Gray |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Energy |
There are a few differences between an information technology lead analyst and a senior information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Lead Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology lead analysts' and senior information technology specialists' demographics:
| Information Technology Lead Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.4% Female, 32.6% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 14.1% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |