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The differences between software analysts and software quality 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 quality engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software quality engineer has an average salary of $99,902, 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 quality engineer are software quality, java, and python.
| Software Analyst | Software Quality Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,400 | $99,902 |
| Hourly rate | $37.69 | $48.03 |
| Growth rate | 9% | - |
| Number of jobs | 274,053 | 279,437 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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.
A Software Quality Engineer ensures that the software of a company meets all quality standards. They are responsible for software development, inspection, implementation, testing, and verification.
Software analysts and software quality engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Analyst | Software Quality Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,400 | $99,902 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $99,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| 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 quality engineer in terms of educational background:
| Software Analyst | Software Quality Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software analysts' and software quality engineers' demographics:
| Software Analyst | Software Quality Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% | Male, 67.3% Female, 32.7% |
| 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, 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% |