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The differences between sap abap consultants and functional consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a sap abap consultant and a functional consultant. Additionally, a sap abap consultant has an average salary of $91,390, which is higher than the $85,317 average annual salary of a functional consultant.
The top three skills for a sap abap consultant include sap abap, custom fields and BDC. The most important skills for a functional consultant are business process, prototyping, and ERP.
In the information technology industry, SAP ABAP Consultants specialize in developing and recommending strategies to optimize system operations and provide solutions against problem areas. They typically meet with clients to identify their needs and preferences, conduct research and assessments, gather and analyze data from various operations, develop action plans and cost estimates, conduct risk assessments, and identify existing issues, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, SAP ABAP consultants typically work in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A functional consultant is responsible for supporting a team of business analysts and software engineers in designing and creating a software system and related computer applications, following the specifications of a client on their software needs. Functional consultants analyze different technological approaches, evaluate technical solutions, and utilize the best system method to meet the requirements of a client efficiently. A functional consultant performs multiple diagnostic tests to ensure the optimal performance of the system. They should also have excellent communication skills, especially in coordinating with the clients on updates and adjustments as needed.
Sap abap consultants and functional consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| SAP Abap Consultant | Functional Consultant | |
| Average salary | $91,390 | $85,317 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $121,000 | Between $65,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Clara, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Kelly Services | Workday |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a sap abap consultant and a functional consultant in terms of educational background:
| SAP Abap Consultant | Functional Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between sap abap consultants' and functional consultants' demographics:
| SAP Abap Consultant | Functional Consultant | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.2% Female, 34.8% | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 25.5% White, 51.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 25.2% White, 51.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |