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Computer Systems Analyst

Overview and Key Facts

Woman working on computer
Education
Education
Bachelor's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$103,790
Job Growth
Job Growth
8.70%
(Above US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
566,500

What Do They Do?

A computer systems analyst could...

 
Tap payment with iPhone
Help a bank provide its customers with cutting-edge wireless options to make purchases anywhere.
Code
Upgrade a company's security systems to prevent hackers from getting users' personal information.
Instagram
Choose the best hardware and software to enable a social media company to keep up with thousands of posts a minute.
EMT
Improve emergency response times by upgrading the 911 computer systems that are in a city.
 
Tap payment with iPhone Code Instagram EMT

Overview Listen to this section

Computer systems analysts have to know what computer programs and related tools are needed to efficiently get a job done. The jobs are usually carried out by other people, but the computer systems analyst makes sure the team has the right computer-based aids they need to do it. A computer systems analyst has to stay on top of the latest technologies, know the capabilities and limitations of different computer parts, and put all of this information together to help a group of people succeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0JdNufvn-o

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Computer Systems Analyst?


  1. Speaking: ?
  2. Reading Comprehension: ?
  3. Systems Analysis: ?
  4. Active Listening: ?
  5. Systems Evaluation: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Computer Systems Analyst might do:
  • Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  • Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
  • Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  • Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
  • Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
  • Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
  • Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
  • Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
  • Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
  • Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
  • Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
  • Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
  • Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter systems.
  • Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
  • Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
  • Recommend new equipment or software packages.
  • Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
  • Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Computer Systems Analyst Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Computer Systems Analyst jobs (8.70%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Computer Systems Analyst

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Most employers prefer computer systems analysts who have at least a bachelor's degree, although oftentimes only an associate's degree is required. Computer systems analysts must also have experience with a variety of computer systems (hardware and software) and related technologies.

To remain competitive in the field, computer systems analysts must continually keep up on the latest technologies and know how apply them. To do this, they may pursue continuing education, attend seminars and conferences, and read research and trade journals to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Bachelor's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is typically required for all entry-level computer systems analyst jobs, although oftentimes an associate's degree will suffice. A more technical position may require a graduate degree in a computer-related field, such as a master's degree in computer science.

Typically, a computer systems analyst will have a degree in computer science, information science, or computer engineering. However, analysts may alternatively have a degree in business or liberal arts with experience and skills related to computer science, primarily information technology (IT) and computer programming. Business-focused companies, in particular, may seek out computer systems analysts with a background in business, such as individuals who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA).

Companies That Hire Computer Systems Analysts

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Manjula Ganta's career story is full of adaptability as she learned the management side of companies where she worked while gaining technical skills-- allowing her to bridge both as an analyst, strategic director, and director of application development.
Don’t focus on fitting in; figure out how to stand out. 
Manjula Ganta, Directior of Application Development

Nature of the Work

Computer systems analysts have an eye for detail and are committed to finding computer-related solutions for the people they work with. A computer systems analyst will meet with people to learn about their individual projects and computer-related needs and evaluate the computer systems that they currently use. To help them more efficiently complete their projects, the analyst will then give the people recommendations for upgrades, improvements, and alternative computer systems parts (software and/or hardware). For example, the analyst may find a software program that is more suitable for reaching the company's goal than the current software program that is being used. Alternatively, the analyst may find that certain hardware components are outdated, and greater productivity could be achieved by upgrading these components. The analyst will then work with these people to implement the agreed-upon changes.

Some computer systems analysts are more focused on technical aspects of computer-based projects. These analysts might need a graduate degree (such as a master's degree) in computer science or a similar discipline to be technically proficient. Others are more involved in the business side of relationships. For example, these analysts may be hired by a company to meet with potential customers and discuss the company's product and how it would be useful for the customers. These analysts may have a background in business, such as a master's degree in business administration (MBA).

Computer systems analysts must be familiar with the range of computer systems (software and hardware) that are available, and must also be familiar with new computer-related technologies as they emerge. To relay computer-related information to individuals with a range of computer experience (from computer specialists to people without a computer science background), analysts must have strong communication skills and be able to work well with different groups of people. Computer systems analysts often become the middle person between computer systems developers and customers/users, so they need to be able to understand, and convey, a range of viewpoints.

Work Environment

Computer systems analysts work in offices or on job sites, typically in comfortable surroundings. They usually work about 40 hours a week, which is about the same as many other professional or office workers. However, some computer systems analysts may need to be on call for emergencies, and/or work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve specific problems.

Like other workers who spend long periods typing on a computer, computer systems analysts are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cumulative trauma disorder, but preventative measures can be taken.

More Information

Ask Questions

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