What Is a Computer Systems Analyst? 2024 Career Guide

Computer systems analysts specialize in maintaining and analyzing an organization’s information technology (IT) processes and procedures to help it become more efficient. In this article, learn about what a computer systems analyst does, how to become one, their earning potential, and more. 

Read more: 10 Entry-Level IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

What does a computer systems analyst do?

As a computer system analyst, you’ll deal with aspects of both IT and business. In this role, you’ll work with computer systems to determine whether it’s performing correct and efficient functions for your organization. Meanwhile, you’ll also look for ways to improve how technology is used within a business. 

The systems you work with depend on the nature of the business, its tasks, and goals. Computer systems analysts determine what’s needed and whether processes are optimized. Given the crossovers between IT and business, this role requires knowledge of both disciplines. 

Read more: Business Systems Analyst

Computer systems analyst job description

The tasks and responsibilities of a computer systems analyst can vary by business, company, and industry, but the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers a few general examples [1]:

• Consult with managers to determine business goals

• Analyze business processes and technology systems to ensure they align with company needs

• Systems management, including identifying ways to improve current systems and processes

• Identify new technology to improve systems

• Create cost analysis for changes to systems

• Implement, install, and configure new systems, software packages, and hardware

• Train staff on new computer systems and creating user manuals 

Read more: 10 Entry-Level IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst

To become a computer systems analyst, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical abilities and business acumen. Most roles require one or more of the following qualifications: relevant degree, work experience, proven technical skills, evidence of prior work on systems projects, and industry knowledge. 

Computer systems analyst education

In the US, 59 percent of systems analysts have a bachelor's degree, 22 percent have an associate degree, 12 percent have a master's [2]. The most commonly pursued majors for this role include computer science, business, computer information systems, and information technology.

Read more: Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Jobs, Degrees + More

Essential skills

A computer systems analyst needs to be highly technical and have an understanding of business to ensure IT systems are meeting business needs. This requires a unique set of both technical and workplace skills. Technical skills represent the practical aspects of your role, while workplace skills contribute to how productive you are in a work environment.

Technical skills:

• Business analysis

• Project management

• Software development

• SQL

• Java

• Customer relationship management (CRM)

• Storage area networking (SAN)

• Troubleshooting

• Data analysis

Workplace skills:

• Analytical

• Research

• Communication

• Creativity

• Problem-solving

Certifications

Certifications can be a useful addition to your resume, showcasing your technical and business knowledge. They can also bridge any knowledge gaps or keep you up to date with new areas of technology.

Some popular certifications for computer system analysts include:

• ISACA: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

• AICPA: Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

• IEEE: Professional Software Engineering Master Certification

• CompTIA: Linux+

Read more: 10 Essential IT Certifications 

Computer systems analyst salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor as of November 2024, computer systems analysts in the US earn a median annual salary of $100,000. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 10 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is high above the national average and represents an estimated 37,600 positions open each year on average [1].

Many computer systems analysts work for technology companies, but roles are also available in the following areas: 

• Financial services

• Government departments

• General businesses

• Health care

Computer systems analysts often work in offices but remote positions may also be available.

Career advancement pathways

As a computer systems analyst, you have plenty of options for career advancement. For example, you may pursue a leadership role and become a technical project manager who leads full teams of analysts. Further experience can lead to positions such as IT director and chief technology officer (CTO), according to the BLS.

Possible positions and average annual base salaries include:

• Quality assurance analyst: $74,000

• Computer systems architect: $158,000

• Systems developer: $112,000

• Information systems analyst: $117,000

• Applications analyst: $140,000

• Information systems manager: $175,000

*All salary information sourced from Glassdoor as of November 2024.

Read more: Master’s in IT Management: Degree Guide

Prepare for your next role with Coursera

Build your systems administration and IT infrastructure skill set with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program is designed for beginners with no prior experience to develop the skills you need for a career in IT. The topics covered include technical support fundamentals, operating systems, IT security, and more.