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The differences between media analysts and social media specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a media analyst, becoming a social media specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a media analyst has an average salary of $63,956, which is higher than the $51,584 average annual salary of a social media specialist.
The top three skills for a media analyst include digital marketing, google analytics and media management. The most important skills for a social media specialist are social media marketing, instagram, and digital marketing.
| Media Analyst | Social Media Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $63,956 | $51,584 |
| Hourly rate | $30.75 | $24.80 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 49,315 | 47,228 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 37 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
The duties of a media analyst depend on one's place or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis to determine areas needing improvement, identifying new opportunities, and learning the public's reception. They are also responsible for coordinating with other departments, producing progress reports and presentations, and offering options according to research findings. As an analyst, it is also essential to consider all significant factors, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
A social media specialist is an individual who is responsible for creating and administering content on all social media platforms to build an audience and ensure customer engagement. By using platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, social media specialists must create content that resonates with the interests of the intended audience. They are required to understand social media metrics so that they can use the information to ensure success in their social media strategy. Social media specialists must also work with industry professionals and influencers via social media to create a strong network.
Media analysts and social media specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Media Analyst | Social Media Specialist | |
| Average salary | $63,956 | $51,584 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $86,000 | Between $38,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Apple | McKinsey & Company Inc |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a media analyst and a social media specialist in terms of educational background:
| Media Analyst | Social Media Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Communication | Communication |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between media analysts' and social media specialists' demographics:
| Media Analyst | Social Media Specialist | |
| Average age | 37 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 52.5% Female, 47.5% | Male, 38.6% Female, 61.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.1% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 12% |