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What does a software analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Erik Johnson Ph.D.
What does a software analyst do

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.

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Software analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real software analyst resumes:

  • Lead detailed level requirement (DLR), CCL and UI sync up.
  • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
  • Provide testing support to meet DITSCAP, DII COE, JTA-A, and DoD standards.
  • Implement the controller using J2EE (Servlets).
  • Design and develop the infrastructure for the API product line.
  • Net API development to replace VB6 code and simplify customer facing interfaces.
  • Create custom shell scripts for maintaining disk space on Linux and hpux-base servers.
  • Create batch jobs using PL/SQL and schedule it in the oracle job scheduler.
  • Develop and maintain SharePoint team and project sites as a certify SharePoint administrator.
  • Establish process and procedures compliant with SEI, ISO, and DoD standards.
  • Use general framework (like bootstrap) to build new site and troubleshoot relate issues.
  • Used AJAX to create a dynamic navigation in the UI to improve look and feel.
  • Test and certify systems and provide customer support of document management software on UNIX workstations and PCs.
  • Design mock systems with blank databases emulating customer workstations to reduce time spend at on-site trouble calls.
  • Appoint to new platforms life cycle group to ensure all aspects of the SDLC are working efficiently and effectively.

Software analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Software Analysts are proficient in Java, C++, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Software Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 8%

    Involved java code review & application server environment optimization.

  • C++, 7%

    Implemented and maintained Visual C++ COM methods to manipulate Metadata tables of Oracle Database to speed up data access.

  • Software Development, 7%

    Implemented Agile software development methodology based on iterative development, where we get requirements from the organization and cross -functional teams.

  • Troubleshoot, 5%

    Investigate and resolve application functionality related issues and troubleshoot.

  • Test Data, 4%

    Created and updated detailed testing procedures, test documentation and test data by analyzing system specifications for various requirements.

  • Scrum, 4%

    Work in a fast paced cross-functional team in an agile environment with daily Scrum meetings.

Common skills that a software analyst uses to do their job include "java," "c++," and "software development." You can find details on the most important software analyst responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a software analyst to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." Additionally, a software analyst resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "developed 7+ custom charts, 5+ remote monitoring clients and servers, and a database client using java on windows. "

Communication skills. Many software analyst duties rely on communication skills. "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand.," so a software analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways software analyst responsibilities rely on communication skills: "conducted test execution for telecommunications service provisioning software developed test cases, test procedures, and executed test plans"

Creativity. software analysts are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to software analyst responsibilities, because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." A software analyst resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "inventory management system (ims) tracks the stocks, customer orders, scheduling dispatches, monitoring sales performances, etc. "

Most common software analyst skills

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Compare different software analysts

Software analyst vs. Contract software engineer

An applications analyst is an individual hired by a company to administer, monitor, and maintain all its software infrastructure and applications. Applications analysts must ensure the integrity and safety of all data and applications so that the company business can run smoothly and succeed. They are required to collaborate with applications developers and software engineers to provide a diagnosis of application errors and create long- and short-term resolutions. Applications analysts should also provide training and support of staff in using applications.

The annual salary of contract software engineers is $24,525 higher than the average salary of software analysts.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both software analyst and contract software engineer positions are skilled in java, c++, and software development.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a software analyst are more likely to require skills like "troubleshoot," "test data," "business process," and "data analysis." On the other hand, a job as a contract software engineer requires skills like "database," "javascript," "http," and "python." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

The education levels that contract software engineers earn slightly differ from software analysts. In particular, contract software engineers are 4.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a software analyst. Additionally, they're 1.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Software analyst vs. Applications analyst

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.

Applications analyst positions earn higher pay than software analyst roles. They earn a $1,744 higher salary than software analysts per year.A few skills overlap for software analysts and applications analysts. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "troubleshoot," and "sql server. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that software analyst responsibilities requires skills like "c++," "software development," "test data," and "scrum." But an applications analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "healthcare," "customer service," "patients," and "project management."

On average, applications analysts earn a higher salary than software analysts. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, applications analysts earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $94,157. Whereas software analysts have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $86,986.In general, applications analysts achieve similar levels of education than software analysts. They're 1.1% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for software analysts in the next 3-5 years?

Erik Johnson Ph.D.Erik Johnson Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Economics, Carthage College

Two technologies are likely to become more critical in the next 3-5 years: First, much more videoconferencing and remote meetings are likely here to stay. Be sure you can communicate effectively through these mediums. Secondly, using large amounts of numerical and textual data will become increasingly crucial for businesses and policy analysis. Learning how to sift through these data and glean insights from them are likely essential skills to develop and will allow you to grow in your career.

Software analyst vs. Software design engineer

The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.

An average software design engineer eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of software analysts. The difference in salaries amounts to software design engineers earning a $20,399 higher average salary than software analysts.software analysts and software design engineers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "c++," and "software development," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a software analyst is likely to be skilled in "troubleshoot," "test data," "business process," and "jira," while a typical software design engineer is skilled in "python," "software design," "git," and "azure."

Software design engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $108,183. Software analysts earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $86,986.Most software design engineers achieve a higher degree level compared to software analysts. For example, they're 7.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Software analyst vs. Analyst lead

Analyst leads average a higher salary than the annual salary of software analysts. The difference is about $16,864 per year.While both software analysts and analyst leads complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, troubleshoot, and sql server, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A software analyst uses "c++," "software development," "test data," and "scrum." Analyst leads are more likely to have duties that require skills in "analytics," "project management," "customer service," and "excellent interpersonal. "The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for analyst leads, with average annual pay of $110,488. Comparatively, the highest software analyst annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.The average resume of analyst leads showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to software analysts. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 4.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.

Types of software analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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