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Computer Systems Analyst

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What is a Computer Systems Analyst?

Position 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.

What Do Computer Systems Analysts Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
  • Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  • Interview or survey workers, observe job performance or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
  • Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
  • Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering.
  • Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Computer Systems Analyst?

These are the skills Computer Systems Analysts say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Other Computer Systems Analyst Job Titles

  • Data Processing Consultant
  • Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
  • Technical Business Analyst
  • Computer Systems Consultant
  • Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)

Is There Job Demand for Computer Systems Analysts?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 600,500 jobs in the United States for Computer Systems Analyst. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 44,900 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

Computer Systems Analyst Average Salary

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

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

How much do Computer Systems Analysts make in each U.S. state?

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

What Tools & Technology do Computer Systems Analysts Use?

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

How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst

Are there Computer Systems Analysts education requirements?

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What work experience do I need to become a Computer Systems Analyst?

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Where Computer Systems Analysts Are Employed

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

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Those thinking about becoming a Computer Systems Analyst might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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