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The differences between test analysts and lead system 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 a lead system analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a lead system analyst has an average salary of $106,561, 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 a lead system analyst are project management, architecture, and C #.
| Test Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $70,997 | $106,561 |
| Hourly rate | $34.13 | $51.23 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 91,308 | 124,634 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
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.
A lead system analyst is someone who designs and analyzes existing systems used in a company. The person getting this position is tasked with reviewing all existing business processes, providing suggestions for improvements, and requesting upgrades. This position is vital for many businesses, especially ones focused on rapid business processing activities. Alongside this primary role, the lead system analyst also guides clients on the proper course of business systems and what changes are necessary to maximize the business's potential for success.
Test analysts and lead system analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Average salary | $70,997 | $106,561 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $88,000 | Between $82,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Oregon |
| Best paying company | General Motors | Starbucks |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a test analyst and a lead system analyst in terms of educational background:
| Test Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test analysts' and lead system analysts' demographics:
| Test Analyst | Lead System Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% |
| 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, 15.0% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |