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The differences between software analysts and software design engineers 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 software design engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software design engineer has an average salary of $98,799, 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 a software design engineer are software development, python, and software design.
| Software Analyst | Software Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,400 | $98,799 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $47.50 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 274,053 | 315,080 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| 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.
A software design engineer or SDE is part of a software development enterprise. Software design engineers determine the problems or issues and figure out how to establish programs to ease and automate the situations. They fabricate style sheets for the management of the individual aspects of huge engineering projects. It is their job to develop strategies for hardware architecture and software engineering. They also handle and mentor engineering interns for professional guidance.
Software analysts and software design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Analyst | Software Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,400 | $98,799 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $99,000 | Between $74,000 And $130,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | California |
| Best paying company | ConocoPhillips | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software analyst and a software design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Analyst | Software Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between software analysts' and software design engineers' demographics:
| Software Analyst | Software Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% | Male, 81.6% Female, 18.4% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |