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The differences between merchandise analysts and research analysts 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 research analyst. Additionally, a research analyst has an average salary of $70,232, 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 research analyst are data analysis, data collection, and research projects.
| Merchandise Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $67,933 | $70,232 |
| Hourly rate | $32.66 | $33.77 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 38,127 | 81,374 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| 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.
A research analyst is responsible for providing a company with insights and advice concerning finance, investments, and expenditures. Utilizing their analytical skills and extensive expertise in marketing, they analyze the trends and significant factors to conclude which decision should be the best to make. They can also take part in conducting an in-depth analysis of a business and examine which areas require improvement or has potential. Furthermore, they may work with a company or independently as a freelance analyst.
Merchandise analysts and research analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandise Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Average salary | $67,933 | $70,232 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $92,000 | Between $45,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Macy's | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a merchandise analyst and a research analyst in terms of educational background:
| Merchandise Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 83% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between merchandise analysts' and research analysts' demographics:
| Merchandise Analyst | Research Analyst | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 36.6% Female, 63.4% | Male, 50.8% Female, 49.2% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.3% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |