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The differences between software systems 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 systems engineer, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software systems engineer has an average salary of $107,102, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software systems engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Systems Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $107,102 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $51.49 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 370,518 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for 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 systems engineers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Systems Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $107,102 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $142,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Meta | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software systems engineer and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Systems 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 systems engineers' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Systems Engineer | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.3% 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% |