Program control analyst vs cost analyst

The differences between program control analysts and cost 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 control analyst and a cost analyst. Additionally, a program control analyst has an average salary of $65,141, which is higher than the $54,158 average annual salary of a cost analyst.

The top three skills for a program control analyst include program management, variance analysis and control systems. The most important skills for a cost analyst are cost analysis, financial analysis, and cost estimates.

Program control analyst vs cost analyst overview

	Program Control Analyst	Cost Analyst
Yearly salary	$65,141	$54,158
Hourly rate	$31.32	$26.04
Growth rate	11%	3%
Number of jobs	145,081	60,034
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	44	47
Years of experience	4	4

What does a program control analyst do?

A program control analyst is responsible for evaluating the project management policies and procedures of an organization, ensuring that the processes adhere to business requirements and client specifications. Program control analysts handle the cost estimates and sales forecasting and quality control processes, including the tracking of program progress and the brand presence on digital media platforms. They also review the efficiency and effectiveness of the procedures within the budget limitations, coordinating with the management for each milestone deliverable.

What does a cost analyst do?

Cost Analysts are employees with a strong background in finance or accounting. They are in charge of collecting financial data and analyzing the entries. They study the company's expenses and prepare pertinent reports. Cost Analysts look for inconsistencies in the financial data. This way, they can assist in auditing the company's spending. Cost Analysts also look for inefficiencies. They do so by tracking item costs and department budgets and monitoring department expenses. They are also involved in budget-setting activities.

Program control analyst vs cost analyst salary

Program control analysts and cost analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Program Control Analyst	Cost Analyst
Average salary	$65,141	$54,158
Salary range	Between $50,000 And $83,000	Between $39,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	-	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	-	Virginia
Best paying company	-	General Motors
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between program control analyst and cost analyst education

There are a few differences between a program control analyst and a cost analyst in terms of educational background:

	Program Control Analyst	Cost Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 75%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Northwestern University	University of Pennsylvania

Program control analyst vs cost analyst demographics

Here are the differences between program control analysts' and cost analysts' demographics:

	Program Control Analyst	Cost Analyst
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 40.4% Female, 59.6%	Male, 54.2% Female, 45.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 11.8% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 8.6% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	12%	13%

Differences between program control analyst and cost analyst duties and responsibilities

Program control analyst example responsibilities.

Manage and coordinate AOP, monthly waterfalls, indicate finals, and quarterly corporate EAC's for multiple contracts.
Manage analysis and settlement of treasury activity for all markets.
Review and analyze monthly DELTEK reports.
Run, analyze, update and upload various DELTEK cost accounting reports and.
Support program managers (i.e., sales, EAC, manpower, improvements, and financial presentations).
Incorporate baseline budget, time phasing manpower on a category basis (WBS), budgeting materials, etc.

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Cost analyst example responsibilities.

Manage general ledger expense accounts assign to ERP implementation project.
Develop, maintain financial models/applications (VBA Excel/Access) to automate and streamline business processes and perform financial analysis.
Perform cost control, revenue analysis and variance analysis for several DOD contracts.
Identify parts that need to be realign to correct WBS s in order to bring costs inline.
Ensure that purchase orders and work orders are setup in accordance with establish DuPont procedures and appropriate WBS structures.
Perform fixed asset and manufacturing accounting within ERP system.

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Program control analyst vs cost analyst skills

Common program control analyst skills

Program Management, 7%
Variance Analysis, 7%
Control Systems, 6%
Work Breakdown Structure, 5%
Earned Value Management, 5%
Financial Analysis, 4%

Common cost analyst skills

Cost Analysis, 8%
Financial Analysis, 6%
Cost Estimates, 6%
Data Analysis, 4%
DOD, 4%
Variance Analysis, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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