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The differences between senior software architects and software 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 senior software architect, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a senior software architect has an average salary of $129,435, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a senior software architect include java, python and cloud. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Senior Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $129,435 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $62.23 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 310,354 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A Senior Software Architect is focused on the development of new programs and software for technologically based organizations. They improve operations through conducting system analysis and recommending changes in policies and procedures.
A software analyst is responsible for creating and designing software programs and applications, as well as modifying existing ones for optimization according to business requirements. Software analysts work with the technical team to draw system codes, analyze programming languages, and ensure the stability and efficiency of software navigation by running multiple quality checks to the system. They inspect the application's performance, configure servers, and improve software infrastructure according to quality findings. A software analyst records resolution reports and provides progress updates, ensuring that the project adheres to budget limitations and set timetables.
Senior software architects and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $129,435 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $93,000 And $178,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Netflix | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a senior software architect and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Senior Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between senior software architects' and software analysts' demographics:
| Senior Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.0% Female, 6.0% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |