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The differences between lead system analysts and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a lead system analyst, becoming a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead system analyst has an average salary of $106,561, which is higher than the $74,431 average annual salary of a business analyst.
The top three skills for a lead system analyst include project management, architecture and C #. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Lead System Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $106,561 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $51.23 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 124,634 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A lead system analyst is someone who designs and analyzes existing systems used in a company. The person getting this position is tasked with reviewing all existing business processes, providing suggestions for improvements, and requesting upgrades. This position is vital for many businesses, especially ones focused on rapid business processing activities. Alongside this primary role, the lead system analyst also guides clients on the proper course of business systems and what changes are necessary to maximize the business's potential for success.
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
Lead system analysts and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead System Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $106,561 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $137,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Washington |
| Best paying company | Starbucks | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a lead system analyst and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Lead System Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between lead system analysts' and business analysts' demographics:
| Lead System Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 15.0% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |