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The differences between systems analysts and software engineers 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 software engineer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, 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 engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,383 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $36.24 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 141,289 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| 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 software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Systems analysts and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $75,383 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $96,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a systems analyst and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between systems analysts' and software engineers' demographics:
| Systems Analyst | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |