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The differences between test analysts and systems 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 systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems analyst has an average salary of $75,383, 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 systems analyst are customer service, project management, and troubleshoot.
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $70,997 | $75,383 |
| Hourly rate | $34.13 | $36.24 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 91,308 | 141,289 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 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.
Test analysts and systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $70,997 | $75,383 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $88,000 | Between $58,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | General Motors | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test analyst and a systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test analysts' and systems analysts' demographics:
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |