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The differences between senior policy analysts and subject matter experts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a senior policy analyst and a subject matter expert. Additionally, a subject matter expert has an average salary of $103,749, which is higher than the $68,774 average annual salary of a senior policy analyst.
The top three skills for a senior policy analyst include public policy, policy issues and project management. The most important skills for a subject matter expert are SME, project management, and DOD.
| Senior Policy Analyst | Subject Matter Expert | |
| Yearly salary | $68,774 | $103,749 |
| Hourly rate | $33.06 | $49.88 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 64,894 | 58,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Senior policy analysts are legal professionals who are responsible for developing government policies as well as providing advice and briefings to ministers and senior management. These analysts are required to provide detailed information about the law and public policy for both government and the private sector. They must collaborate with the business development division to research and present policies and trends related to health care. Senior policy analysts must also conduct technical assistance and training to advocacy groups and service providers.
A subject matter expert is someone who has special knowledge and expertise about a specific process or service, providing advice to other team members or directly assisting customers with their inquiries and concerns. Subject matter experts coordinate on planning strategic procedures to improve the work processes and ensure customer satisfaction. They are also active in participating in learning programs and training sessions to share their knowledge and best practices for their specialization. Subject matter experts identify potential business opportunities to generate more revenues for the business and achieve its profitability goals.
Senior policy analysts and subject matter experts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Policy Analyst | Subject Matter Expert | |
| Average salary | $68,774 | $103,749 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $95,000 | Between $73,000 And $146,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Energy |
There are a few differences between a senior policy analyst and a subject matter expert in terms of educational background:
| Senior Policy Analyst | Subject Matter Expert | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Political Science | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between senior policy analysts' and subject matter experts' demographics:
| Senior Policy Analyst | Subject Matter Expert | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% | Male, 63.8% Female, 36.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 10.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 12.1% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |