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The differences between software analysts and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a software analyst, becoming a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software analyst has an average salary of $78,400, which is higher than the $74,431 average annual salary of a business analyst.
The top three skills for a software analyst include java, C++ and software development. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.
| Software Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $78,400 | $74,431 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $35.78 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 274,053 | 170,514 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
Software analysts and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average salary | $78,400 | $74,431 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $99,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Washington |
| Best paying company | ConocoPhillips | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software analyst and a business analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software analysts' and business analysts' demographics:
| Software Analyst | Business Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% | Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |