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The differences between systems analysts and database analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a systems analyst, becoming a database analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a database analyst has an average salary of $85,660, which is higher than the $75,383 average annual salary of a systems analyst.
The top three skills for a systems analyst include customer service, project management and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a database analyst are database management, database design, and data analysis.
| Systems Analyst | Database Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $75,383 | $85,660 |
| Hourly rate | $36.24 | $41.18 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 141,289 | 77,072 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.
A database analyst is primarily responsible for devising strategies on how to handle a company's collection of data and information. Typically, they are in charge of designing and implementing databases, evaluating existing ones, and providing recommendations for improvement. They are also responsible for testing, populating, and maintaining databases, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Furthermore, as a database analyst, it is essential to adhere to the company's policies and regulations, all while coordinating with other administrators to make sure that all processes align with the company's goals.
Systems analysts and database analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Analyst | Database Analyst | |
| Average salary | $75,383 | $85,660 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $96,000 | Between $63,000 And $116,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a systems analyst and a database analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Analyst | Database Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems analysts' and database analysts' demographics:
| Systems Analyst | Database Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% | Male, 62.3% Female, 37.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 19.3% White, 57.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 6% |