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The differences between information technology senior 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 senior analyst, becoming a senior information technology specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a senior information technology specialist has an average salary of $103,478, which is higher than the $100,835 average annual salary of an information technology senior analyst.
The top three skills for an information technology senior analyst include project management, infrastructure and SOX. The most important skills for a senior information technology specialist are customer service, database, and technical support.
| Information Technology Senior Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $100,835 | $103,478 |
| Hourly rate | $48.48 | $49.75 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 157,378 | 111,996 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
An information technology senior analyst is responsible for analyzing and resolving technical complexities and network issues and coordinating with the technology team on designing system applications that would support business functions and client requirements. Information technology senior analysts configure systems to boost efficiency and optimal performance, as well as upgrading network infrastructure to prevent downtimes and delays in operations. They also develop network solutions and generate reports to maximize productivity and deliver high-quality outputs. An information technology senior analyst coordinates with database administrators to maintain the security of the networks, avoiding unauthorized access and suspicious activities.
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 senior analysts and senior information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Senior Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $100,835 | $103,478 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $129,000 | Between $78,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Ropes & Gray |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Energy |
There are a few differences between an information technology senior analyst and a senior information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Senior Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology senior analysts' and senior information technology specialists' demographics:
| Information Technology Senior Analyst | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.9% Female, 30.1% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| 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, 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% |