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Computer Systems Analysts

Typical education: Associate degreeModerate pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $105,850 Median per year · $50.89/hr Most earn $67,340–$167,710

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
  • Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
  • Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
  • Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
  • Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
  • Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
8% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 32,900 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Computer systems design and related services23.4%
  • Management of companies and enterprises10.3%
  • General medical and surgical hospitals4.9%
  • Credit intermediation and related activities4.3%
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals3.9%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Some remote workExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 2 to 4 years

Computer Systems Analyst is usually not an entry-level job. Most people spend a few years in other IT roles, often after a two-year degree, before moving into it.

  1. Associate degree in computer information systems or computer science

    2 years

    You learn the basics of how computers, networks, and software work, and you build a foundation for entry-level IT jobs.

  2. IT Help Desk Technician

    1-2 years

    You solve everyday computer and network problems for users, which teaches you how real business systems are set up and where they break.

  3. Network and Computer Systems Administrator

    2-3 years

    You install, maintain, and secure systems and networks, building the hands-on experience that analysts rely on when they review and improve systems.

  4. Computer Systems Analyst

    Ongoing

    You study how an organization's computer systems and workflows work, then recommend and help set up improvements.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Systems Analyst

    3-5 years of experience first

    You lead larger projects, handle more complex systems, and often mentor other analysts while still doing hands-on analysis.

  2. Computer and Information Systems Manager

    5-8 years of experience first

    You plan IT projects, manage teams and budgets, and make decisions about technology for the whole organization; this usually calls for a bachelor's degree and strong leadership skills.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and any computer science or programming class offeredStrong math and logic skills make it easier to understand how systems and data work.
  • Join a coding, robotics, or tech clubWorking on team projects shows you how technology gets built and how people solve problems together.
  • Help friends, family, or teachers with tech problemsTroubleshooting real issues builds the problem-solving habits that IT and analyst work depends on.
  • Look for a volunteer role fixing computers at a library or community centerIt gives you hands-on support experience and shows how technology serves real people.
  • Learn spreadsheet tools wellAnalysts often start with data in spreadsheets, so being skilled with them is a practical head start.

In college

  • Major in computer information systems or a related IT fieldThese programs cover networks, databases, and systems design, which are the core topics for this career.
  • Take a systems analysis or business and IT courseLearning how to gather requirements and map business processes is central to what analysts do.
  • Get a campus IT help desk or lab assistant jobA paid campus tech job gives you real support experience that employers look for in entry-level candidates.
  • Earn an entry-level IT certificationA recognized help desk or networking certification shows employers you have practical skills beyond your coursework.
  • Join a tech or information systems student organizationClubs offer networking, practice projects, and connections to internships.

Tips for getting started

  • Get comfortable with spreadsheets, databases, and basic scripting, since analysts use these every day to study and explain data.
  • Practice explaining technical problems in plain language. Analysts spend much of their time translating between business staff and technical teams.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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