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The differences between software analysts and software developers 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 developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, 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 developer are java, python, and C++.
| Software Analyst | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,400 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 274,053 | 294,329 |
| 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 developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Software analysts and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Analyst | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $78,400 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $99,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | California |
| Best paying company | ConocoPhillips | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software analyst and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Software Analyst | Software Developer | |
| 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 developers' demographics:
| Software Analyst | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |