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The differences between software analysts and analyst leads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a software analyst and an analyst lead. Additionally, an analyst lead has an average salary of $95,264, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software analyst include java, C++ and software development. The most important skills for an analyst lead are analytics, data analysis, and project management.
| Software Analyst | Analyst Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $78,400 | $95,264 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $45.80 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 274,053 | 122,353 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.
Software analysts and analyst leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Analyst | Analyst Lead | |
| Average salary | $78,400 | $95,264 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $99,000 | Between $74,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | California |
| Best paying company | ConocoPhillips | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software analyst and an analyst lead in terms of educational background:
| Software Analyst | Analyst Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between software analysts' and analyst leads' demographics:
| Software Analyst | Analyst Lead | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% | Male, 62.4% Female, 37.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.3% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |