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The differences between software analysts and computer analysts 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 a computer analyst. Additionally, a software analyst has an average salary of $78,400, which is higher than the $75,852 average annual salary of a computer analyst.
The top three skills for a software analyst include java, C++ and software development. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.
| Software Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $78,400 | $75,852 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $36.47 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 274,053 | 75,369 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| 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.
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
Software analysts and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $78,400 | $75,852 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $99,000 | Between $57,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Washington |
| Best paying company | ConocoPhillips | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software analyst and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software analysts' and computer analysts' demographics:
| Software Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% |
| 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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |