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The differences between software consultants 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 consultant, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software consultant has an average salary of $88,605, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software consultant include web application, database and java. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Consultant | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $88,605 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $42.60 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 275,746 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
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 consultants and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Consultant | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $88,605 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $115,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Silver Peak | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software consultant and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Consultant | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software consultants' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Consultant | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 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% |