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The differences between software consultants and associate consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a software consultant and an associate consultant. Additionally, a software consultant has an average salary of $88,605, which is higher than the $73,340 average annual salary of an associate consultant.
The top three skills for a software consultant include web application, database and java. The most important skills for an associate consultant are healthcare, customer service, and project management.
| Software Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $88,605 | $73,340 |
| Hourly rate | $42.60 | $35.26 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 275,746 | 94,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software consultant is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the technological content and system applications of an organization, ensuring its efficiency and optimal performance. Software consultants design software systems, following clients' specifications and business needs. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems, programming languages, and system codes to create software processes and manage the network systems. A software consultant runs multiple diagnostic tests and creates troubleshooting reports for technical support reference.
An associate consultant is responsible for evaluating the project requirements based on clients' specifications, ensuring that the team meets project deliverables efficiently. Associate consultants test system applications and network infrastructure to recommend possible modifications for optimal performance and flawless navigation. They also identify cost-efficient business opportunities to gain more clients and improve overall project management procedures. An associate consultant may also facilitate training programs for the staff to maximize their productivity and hone their potential.
Software consultants and associate consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Average salary | $88,605 | $73,340 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $115,000 | Between $60,000 And $88,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Silver Peak | Practice Fusion |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software consultant and an associate consultant in terms of educational background:
| Software Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between software consultants' and associate consultants' demographics:
| Software Consultant | Associate Consultant | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 55.5% Female, 44.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 14.3% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 12% |