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The differences between software test analysts 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 test analyst, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software test analyst has an average salary of $78,713, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a software test analyst include test scripts, test results and regression. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Software Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $78,713 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $37.84 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 94,928 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
Software test analysts negotiate testing criteria, conduct tests, and report the data gathered from testing. They collaborate with customers and vendors to clarify use cases for the test products. They use this information to formulate testing protocols and to ensure software meets users' expectations.
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 test analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $78,713 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $61,000 And $100,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Oregon |
| Best paying company | IDEXX | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a software test analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Software Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between software test analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Software Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 11% | 8% |