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The differences between software 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 engineer, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $100,260 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $48.20 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 339,938 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
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 engineers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $100,260 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $136,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Bruno, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software engineer and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software 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 engineers' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% 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% |