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Career overview · SOC 15-1211

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Also called: Applications Analyst · Business Systems Analyst · Computer Analyst · Computer Systems Analyst · Computer Systems Consultant · Information Systems Analyst (ISA)

Median pay (national)
$103,790
$63,160–$166,030 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
497,800
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+8.7%
~34,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for computer systems analysts shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $166,030 versus $63,160 at the bottom 10% — 2.6x. The median of $103,790 leaves roughly 60% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +8.7% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 34,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 53 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $127,660, +23% vs the national median), while Virgin Islands sits lowest at $56,650 — a 125% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Atlassian JIRA, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Power BI as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Writing
  • Monitoring
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • 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.

Tools & technology

  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • ServiceNow
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • AJAX
  • Amazon DynamoDB
  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
  • Amazon Redshift

Knowledge areas

  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Administration and Management
  • Education and Training
  • Telecommunications
  • Engineering and Technology