What Does it Take to Be a Computer Systems Analyst?

Computer Systems Analyst Job 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.

Life As a Computer Systems Analyst: What Do They Do?

• Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
• Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
• Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
• Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
• Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
• Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.

Computer Systems Analyst Skills

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.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Computer Methods Analyst
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Systems Integrator
• Internet E-Commerce Specialist
• IT Security Analyst (Information Technology Security Analyst)

Job Outlook for Computer Systems Analysts

There were about 600,500 jobs for Computer Systems Analyst in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

How Much Does a Computer Systems Analyst Make?

The salary for Computer Systems Analysts ranges between about $54,360 and $142,220 a year.

Computer Systems Analysts who work in District of Columbia, New Jersey, or California, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Computer Systems Analysts 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

Becoming a Computer Systems Analyst

What education is needed to be a Computer Systems Analyst?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Systems Analyst?

Computer Systems Analysts Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Computer Systems Analyst may also be interested in:

• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
• Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
• Industrial Safety and Health Engineers

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.