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The differences between program analysts and associate analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a program analyst and an associate analyst. Additionally, a program analyst has an average salary of $75,039, which is higher than the $68,161 average annual salary of an associate analyst.
The top three skills for a program analyst include veterans, program management and project management. The most important skills for an associate analyst are customer service, powerpoint, and data analysis.
| Program Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $75,039 | $68,161 |
| Hourly rate | $36.08 | $32.77 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 156,716 | 97,311 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The job of program analysts is to plan, manage, and evaluate a company's computer programs. They usually perform different tasks, including researching and analyzing complex data to identify trends and offer the best recommendations for improvements. Other duties for this position may include creating policies and procedures, monitoring and evaluating program performance, and resolving any issues. This role's skills and requirements include a bachelor's degree in computer science, business, or related field. Previous work experience as a program analyst and critical thinking skills are also valued.
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.
Program analysts and associate analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Program Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Average salary | $75,039 | $68,161 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $106,000 | Between $47,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New York |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apollo Global Management |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a program analyst and an associate analyst in terms of educational background:
| Program Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between program analysts' and associate analysts' demographics:
| Program Analyst | Associate Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.5% Female, 54.5% | Male, 52.3% Female, 47.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 13.3% White, 64.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 12% | 7% |