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The differences between test analysts and systems analyst programmers 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 programmer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems analyst programmer has an average salary of $81,135, 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 programmer are C++, C #, and java.
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $70,997 | $81,135 |
| Hourly rate | $34.13 | $39.01 |
| Growth rate | - | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 91,308 | 119,179 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 Programmer provides technical expertise and recommendations in evaluating new IT software projects. They also indentify solutions and opportunities that can enhance the efficiency of business processes.
Test analysts and systems analyst programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst Programmer | |
| Average salary | $70,997 | $81,135 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $88,000 | Between $58,000 And $111,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | General Motors | Wachovia Securities |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a test analyst and a systems analyst programmer in terms of educational background:
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| 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 analyst programmers' demographics:
| Test Analyst | Systems Analyst Programmer | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.2% Female, 44.8% | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% |
| 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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |