Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between software automation engineers 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 automation engineer, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software automation engineer has an average salary of $102,812, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software automation engineer include python, java and C #. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $102,812 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $49.43 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 229,709 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A software automation engineer specializes in designing and developing software and systems. In a company setting, it is their duty to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current systems and devices, conceptualize plans according to the company's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and implement solutions against problem areas. They must also coordinate with software teams, provide technical support, and maintain extensive records. Furthermore, as a software automation engineer, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks, perform repairs and upgrades as needed.
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 automation engineers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $102,812 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $138,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Netflix | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software automation engineer and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software automation engineers' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Automation Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.1% Female, 21.9% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 11% | 8% |