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The differences between system software developers 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 system software developer, becoming a software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a system software developer has an average salary of $108,328, which is higher than the $78,400 average annual salary of a software analyst.
The top three skills for a system software developer include python, java and software development. The most important skills for a software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| System Software Developer | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $108,328 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $52.08 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 299,721 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A System Software Developer is an information technology expert who is in charge of developing software and application systems in a company. They are responsible for conducting research and preparing detailed plans according to project requirements and guidelines, establishing test structures, troubleshooting errors, performing upgrades, and creating systems instructions for technical support. They must also assess existing systems to determine their strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a System Software Developer works in a team environment, which requires coordination and an active communication line.
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.
System software developers and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| System Software Developer | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $108,328 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $81,000 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 | The Citadel | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a system software developer and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| System Software Developer | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between system software developers' and software analysts' demographics:
| System Software Developer | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 39 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | 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% |