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The differences between test analysts and software 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 software analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a software analyst has an average salary of $78,400, 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 software analyst are java, C++, and software development.
| Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $70,997 | $78,400 |
| Hourly rate | $34.13 | $37.69 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 91,308 | 274,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 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.
Test analysts and software analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average salary | $70,997 | $78,400 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $88,000 | Between $61,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Oregon |
| Best paying company | General Motors | ConocoPhillips |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a test analyst and a software analyst in terms of educational background:
| Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test analysts' and software analysts' demographics:
| Test Analyst | Software Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| 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, 10.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 17.2% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |