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The differences between software analysts and information technology project managers 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 information technology project manager. Additionally, an information technology project manager has an average salary of $106,981, 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 information technology project manager are project management, infrastructure, and scrum.
| Software Analyst | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $78,400 | $106,981 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $51.43 |
| Growth rate | 9% | - |
| Number of jobs | 274,053 | 207,249 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| 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.
An information technology project manager is responsible for supervising the technology department, ensuring that all tasks are being done by following technological strategies and solutions. Information technology project managers' duties include monitoring the technology team's daily operation, handling team members' concerns, managing customers' inquiries and complaints, helping team members' in achieving their professional growth, creating reports, sharing updates during team and board meetings, and maintaining effectivity of operational procedures. An information technology project manager must have excellent leadership and decision-making skills to decide on the best strategies in meeting the company's objectives.
Software analysts and information technology project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Analyst | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Average salary | $78,400 | $106,981 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $99,000 | Between $76,000 And $149,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Menlo Park, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | California |
| Best paying company | ConocoPhillips | Reed Smith |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software analyst and an information technology project manager in terms of educational background:
| Software Analyst | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software analysts' and information technology project managers' demographics:
| Software Analyst | Information Technology Project Manager | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% | Male, 66.4% Female, 33.6% |
| 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, 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% |