Computer Systems Analysts

Overview

Computer Systems Analysts has a national median salary of $105,850 per year, with +7.9% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Working Conditions
• Achievement
• Independence

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• 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.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Getting Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Processing Information
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a master's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Master's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a bachelor's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Computer Systems Analysts:

Video Resources