All About Computer Systems Analysts
Career Description Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
A Day in the Life of a Computer Systems Analyst
- Interview or survey workers, observe job performance or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
- Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.
- Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility and so 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.
- Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
- Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
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Qualities of a Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Computer Systems Analyst
- Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
- Reporting Analyst
- Information Systems Architect
- IT Business Analyst (Information Technology Business Analyst)
- Database Analyst
Job Outlook for Computer Systems Analysts
In the United States, there were 600,500 jobs for Computer Systems Analyst in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 54,400 new jobs for Computer Systems Analyst by 2026. There will be an estimated 44,900 positions for Computer Systems Analyst per year.
The states with the most job growth for Computer Systems Analyst are Utah, Colorado, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Maine, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Computer Systems Analysts Make A Lot Of Money?
Computer Systems Analysts make between $54,360 and $142,220 a year.
Computer Systems Analysts who work in District of Columbia, New Jersey, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Computer Systems Analysts make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $84,950 |
Alaska | $70,390 |
Arizona | $88,970 |
Arkansas | $71,990 |
California | $103,930 |
Colorado | $96,030 |
Connecticut | $94,530 |
Delaware | $96,460 |
District of Columbia | $106,790 |
Florida | $85,050 |
Georgia | $91,060 |
Hawaii | $80,100 |
Idaho | $78,550 |
Illinois | $89,370 |
Indiana | $79,750 |
Iowa | $84,300 |
Kansas | $78,520 |
Kentucky | $71,500 |
Louisiana | $72,560 |
Maine | $81,670 |
Maryland | $97,720 |
Massachusetts | $94,510 |
Michigan | $83,900 |
Minnesota | $92,920 |
Mississippi | $66,790 |
Missouri | $83,720 |
Montana | $76,380 |
Nebraska | $77,240 |
Nevada | $80,580 |
New Hampshire | $93,620 |
New Jersey | $107,540 |
New Mexico | $84,660 |
New York | $106,320 |
North Carolina | $93,480 |
North Dakota | $76,110 |
Ohio | $89,420 |
Oklahoma | $79,950 |
Oregon | $89,440 |
Pennsylvania | $95,990 |
Rhode Island | $99,470 |
South Carolina | $80,200 |
South Dakota | $75,810 |
Tennessee | $77,330 |
Texas | $97,900 |
Utah | $84,840 |
Vermont | $80,190 |
Virginia | $102,290 |
Washington | $96,860 |
West Virginia | $74,010 |
Wisconsin | $82,480 |
Wyoming | $77,200 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Systems Analysts
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer Systems Analysts:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- jQuery
- React
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
How do I Become a Computer Systems Analyst?
Are there Computer Systems Analysts education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Computer Systems Analysts Work
Computer Systems Analysts work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Systems Analyst might also be interested in the following careers:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
- Industrial Safety and Health Engineers
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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