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The differences between software designers 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 designer, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software designer has an average salary of $107,449, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software designer include python, java and software development. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Designer | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $107,449 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $51.66 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 313,443 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
Software designers transform customers' requirements into services. They analyze customers' needs, conduct negotiations, and create designs based on that data. They typically work with teams of programmers. They are also responsible for creating project documentation.
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 designers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Designer | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $107,449 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $144,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Globant | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software designer and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Designer | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software designers' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Designer | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% 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% |