Test analyst vs applications analyst

The differences between test analysts and applications 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 test analyst, becoming an applications analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an applications analyst has an average salary of $80,144, which is higher than the $70,997 average annual salary of a test analyst.

The top three skills for a test analyst include test scripts, test plan and regression. The most important skills for an applications analyst are healthcare, customer service, and patients.

Test analyst vs applications analyst overview

	Test Analyst	Applications Analyst
Yearly salary	$70,997	$80,144
Hourly rate	$34.13	$38.53
Growth rate	-	9%
Number of jobs	91,308	110,833
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age	44	43
Years of experience	4	6

What does a test analyst do?

The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.

What does an applications analyst do?

An applications analyst is an individual hired by a company to administer, monitor, and maintain all its software infrastructure and applications. Applications analysts must ensure the integrity and safety of all data and applications so that the company business can run smoothly and succeed. They are required to collaborate with applications developers and software engineers to provide a diagnosis of application errors and create long- and short-term resolutions. Applications analysts should also provide training and support of staff in using applications.

Test analyst vs applications analyst salary

Test analysts and applications analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Test Analyst	Applications Analyst
Average salary	$70,997	$80,144
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $88,000	Between $58,000 And $109,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	California
Best paying company	General Motors	Ceridian
Best paying industry	Finance	Retail

Differences between test analyst and applications analyst education

There are a few differences between a test analyst and an applications analyst in terms of educational background:

	Test Analyst	Applications Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 71%	Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common major	Computer Science	Business
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Stanford University

Test analyst vs applications analyst demographics

Here are the differences between test analysts' and applications analysts' demographics:

	Test Analyst	Applications Analyst
Average age	44	43
Gender ratio	Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8%	Male, 55.4% Female, 44.6%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	11%	8%

Differences between test analyst and applications analyst duties and responsibilities

Test analyst example responsibilities.

Implement reusable test strategy to rewire QA methodology and achieve increase in efficiency.
Execute end to end regression testing which include executing multiple processes in UNIX, running automate test scripts and performing validation.
Organize daily meetings with QA team and Dev team to recognize the blocking issues within the project.
Test the stored procedures functionality vs. ETL mapping after the migration of code from PL/SQL to ETL mappings.
Report bugs to developers using JIRA and after rectification from developers perform regression testing.
Document and champion defects in QC ALM.

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Applications analyst example responsibilities.

Manage the RFI and RFP process for new business managers.
Lead multiple web projects using PHP and PostgreSQL, including company's website.
Update build process by setting up enterprise level Jenkins server to automate build production and deployment.
Manage ticket queue providing direct communications and resolutions to client's ad appeals inquiries concerning disable accounts.
Attain knowledge of ICD-9, CPT and HCPCS codes and benefit configuration as elements of the claims processing.
Lead end-to-end iterative design and analysis of functional features with hand-in-hand collaboration with product managers, engineers, analysts and QA.

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Test analyst vs applications analyst skills

Common test analyst skills

Test Scripts, 6%
Test Plan, 5%
Regression, 5%
Test Results, 5%
Java, 5%
Manual Test Cases, 5%

Common applications analyst skills

Healthcare, 17%
Customer Service, 8%
Patients, 8%
Project Management, 6%
Troubleshoot, 5%
Technical Support, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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