How To Become A Lead Applications Analyst: What It Is and Career Path

What is a lead applications analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Erastus Ndinguri,

Dr. Pauline Mosley

A lead applications analyst's job is to ensure that all computer and software applications are running smoothly. They design, test, analyze, monitor, and maintain applications to support a business in attaining its objectives. They act as the first technical point of contact for all application and system issues. Lead applications analysts also supervise a team of programmers to ascertain the formulation of procedures and best practices for users of applications.

A lead applications analyst typically reports to a senior IT manager. They work closely with application developers, software engineers, and other IT personnel. They can work for software companies, technology manufacturers, game developers, e-commerce companies, and many other types of organizations. A successful lead applications analyst should have programming skills, analytical skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Lead application analysts usually work in an office setting. They work 40 hours a week Monday to Friday from 9 to 5.

What general advice would you give to a lead applications analyst?

Erastus Ndinguri

Associate Professor, Framingham State University

A couple of ways to maximize your salary potential are;

Through first salary negotiation - By understanding the job market of your field, knowing what you can offer and preparing well for your salary negotiation you can positively maximize your first salary potential. This can affect your future earnings especially if you rise up the corporate ladder in the same organization.

Not settling, but continuing to learn- Learn a new skill that will help in building your resume. Network with colleagues in your organization and learn from them. Continuous learning and self-improvement create opportunities for higher earnings.

Embrace mentorships- Having a good seasoned colleague/mentor can open opportunities for higher earning. A mentor can help you prepare for a salary negotiation and also steer you to the right projects that lead to career advancements hence a higher salary.

ScoreLead Applications AnalystUS Average

Salary

8.1

Avg. Salary $117,902

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 16.46%

Black or African American 10.11%

Hispanic or Latino 10.90%

Unknown 5.00%

White 57.34%

Gender

female 48.09%

male 51.91%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a lead applications analyst

Explore lead applications analyst education requirements

Most common lead applications analyst degrees

Bachelor's

69.8 %

Master's

14.3 %

Associate

11.1 %

Start to develop specific lead applications analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	7.50%
Database	6.61%
Application Development	6.56%
Application Support	6.33%
EHR	5.86%

Complete relevant lead applications analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lead applications analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lead applications analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lead applications analyst resumes.

Research lead applications analyst duties and responsibilities

Manage and lead development team to use Java and convert legacy bid system to cutting edge technologies.
Standardize the OS environment enterprise-wide, resulting in a highly available and easily manage and support system.
Maintain schedule jobs and perform troubleshoot on processes and resolve all issues.
Facilitate migration to fix ordering while collaborating with logistics to ensure inbound freight are organized at distribution centers across the country.

Get lead applications analyst experience

Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a lead applications analyst. The most common roles before becoming a lead applications analyst include programmer analyst, applications analyst team lead and senior programmer analyst.

Prepare your lead applications analyst resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead applications analyst resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lead applications analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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