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The differences between principal business analysts and business systems senior analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a principal business analyst, becoming a business systems senior analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a principal business analyst has an average salary of $115,081, which is higher than the $103,098 average annual salary of a business systems senior analyst.
The top three skills for a principal business analyst include provide management, shared services and project management. The most important skills for a business systems senior analyst are project management, business process, and business analysis.
| Principal Business Analyst | Business Systems Senior Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $115,081 | $103,098 |
| Hourly rate | $55.33 | $49.57 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 164,208 | 177,317 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A principal business analyst provides analytical services to recommend strategies that will optimize business operations. Among their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data, understanding the purpose and needs of daily operations, performing market research and analysis to identify trends and opportunities, determine the strengths and weaknesses of current procedures, and develop solutions against problem areas. They must also conduct risk assessments, maintain documentation, and present findings through reports and presentations. Moreover, a principal business analyst must lead and encourage staff to reach goals while implementing and promoting the company's policies and regulations.
Business systems senior analysts are responsible for resolving problems and requirements related to organizational information. They perform various duties that include determining operational objectives, designing computer programs, and improving business systems by designing modifications and studying current practices. Additionally, they are responsible for defining project requirements, maintaining user confidence and information confidentiality, and preparing technical reports. These professionals are also expected to maintain their knowledge by participating in professional associations or attending educational workshops. The skills and qualifications required for this position include previous work experience, software design and development, and problem-solving skills.
Principal business analysts and business systems senior analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Business Analyst | Business Systems Senior Analyst | |
| Average salary | $115,081 | $103,098 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $150,000 | Between $79,000 And $134,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a principal business analyst and a business systems senior analyst in terms of educational background:
| Principal Business Analyst | Business Systems Senior Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between principal business analysts' and business systems senior analysts' demographics:
| Principal Business Analyst | Business Systems Senior Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.8% Female, 39.2% | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 19.8% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 8% |