Find out what a computer systems analyst is, including duties and responsibilities. Explore the requirements to become a computer systems analyst.
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
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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
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
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.
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
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
Storage area networking (SAN)
Troubleshooting
Workplace skills:
Analytical
Research
Communication
Creativity
Problem-solving
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
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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.
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
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US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer Systems Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm#tab-1.” Accessed November 22, 2024.
Zippia. “Best Colleges and Majors for Computer Systems Analysts, https://www.zippia.com/computer-systems-analyst-jobs/education/.” Accessed November 22, 2024.
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