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The differences between software architects and software analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a software architect, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software architect has an average salary of $114,406, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software architect include java, architecture and cloud. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $114,406 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $55.00 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 319,594 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A Software Architect develops new programs for a variety of technological devices for businesses, computer games, mobile networks, and/or operating systems. They ensure architectural integrity and consistency across the entire product and work closely with executives to explain the benefits of the software.
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.
Software architects and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $114,406 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $82,000 And $158,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Aspiration | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software architect and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software architects' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Architect | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |