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The differences between merchandise analysts and associate 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 merchandise analyst, becoming an associate analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an associate analyst has an average salary of $68,161, which is higher than the $67,933 average annual salary of a merchandise analyst.
The top three skills for a merchandise analyst include powerpoint, SQL and data analysis. The most important skills for an associate analyst are customer service, powerpoint, and data analysis.
| Merchandise Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $67,933 | $68,161 |
| Hourly rate | $32.66 | $32.77 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 38,127 | 97,311 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 37 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A merchandise analyst is an individual who monitors inventory levels while following and charting the profits and sales of a store or company. Merchandise analysts are required to identify appropriate industry and product categories so that they can focus on maximizing the business of each store. They must review and analyze weekly advertisement results with team members to meet their sales goals as well as identify causes of high carryover and methods for reduction. Merchandise analysts must also use data analysis to identify markets and fine-tune merchandise.
An associate analyst is an individual who is responsible for the research and investigation for a specific business process and department to help the senior staff make further decisions. Associate analysts must use their analytical skills to understand how the collected data can affect business decisions, then prepare reports that detail findings and recommend solutions. They must assist in developing new business models that can generate profits while reducing costs. Associate analysts can work in various industries ranging from finance and operations to information technology (IT) and marketing.
Merchandise analysts and associate analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandise Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Average salary | $67,933 | $68,161 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $92,000 | Between $47,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New York |
| Best paying company | Macy's | Apollo Global Management |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a merchandise analyst and an associate analyst in terms of educational background:
| Merchandise Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between merchandise analysts' and associate analysts' demographics:
| Merchandise Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Average age | 37 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.6% Female, 63.4% | Male, 52.3% Female, 47.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 10.7% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 14.1% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 7% |