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The differences between systems analysts and software analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a systems analyst and a software analyst. Additionally, a software analyst has an average salary of $78,400, 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 software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $75,383 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $36.24 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 141,289 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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 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.
Systems analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $75,383 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $96,000 | 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 | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a systems analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Systems Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 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% |