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The differences between merchandise analysts and project managers/analyst can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a merchandise analyst and a project manager/analyst. Additionally, a project manager/analyst has an average salary of $100,168, 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 a project manager/analyst are project management, sharepoint, and business analysis.
| Merchandise Analyst | Project Manager/Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $67,933 | $100,168 |
| Hourly rate | $32.66 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 38,127 | 179,991 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
The primary job of project managers/analysts is to manage and develop new projects. They have varied duties and responsibilities, which include giving analytical support for projects, assisting in budget and financial analysis, and analyzing market trends, statistical data, and regulations relevant to the projects. Additionally, project managers/analysts are also expected to draft financial reports, work statements, and cost estimates and work to ensure customer satisfaction and retention. These professionals are also responsible for project scheduling, tracking fund receipts, and monitoring documentation.
Merchandise analysts and project managers/analyst have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandise Analyst | Project Manager/Analyst | |
| Average salary | $67,933 | $100,168 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $92,000 | Between $72,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Macy's | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a merchandise analyst and a project manager/analyst in terms of educational background:
| Merchandise Analyst | Project Manager/Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between merchandise analysts' and project managers/analyst' demographics:
| Merchandise Analyst | Project Manager/Analyst | |
| Average age | 37 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.6% Female, 63.4% | Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6% |
| 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, 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 | 10% | 11% |