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.
Computer Systems Analysts
SOC: 15-1211 O*NET: 15-1211.00
Median Salary
$105,850
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.7%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
34.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Computer Systems Analysts do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$67,340
10th percentile
Early Career
$82,860
25th percentile
Median
$105,850
50th percentile
Experienced
$134,110
75th percentile
Top Earners
$167,710
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$67,340
25th
$82,860
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$105,850
Mean: $114,610
75th
$134,110
90th
$167,710
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $100,370 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $82,860 and $134,110
- •Salary spread is 48.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 519,530 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:521,100
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services34.8%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services34.8%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services25%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8.7%
Annual Openings:34,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)521,100
Current
2034 (Projected)566,500
+8.7%
+45,500
Employment Change
+8.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Computer Systems Analysts professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
59,060 jobs$127,7200.97x
Texas
47,990 jobs$107,3901.02x
Florida
35,270 jobs$101,9001.06x
Washington
24,120 jobs$129,4102.03x
New York
24,100 jobs$109,6100.74x
Virginia
23,190 jobs$120,8401.69x
Massachusetts
22,160 jobs$128,2401.82x
North Carolina
20,910 jobs$106,8501.27x
Illinois
20,610 jobs$101,5701.01x
Pennsylvania
19,450 jobs$98,5500.96x
Ohio
19,190 jobs$102,3201.03x
New Jersey
16,520 jobs$122,8901.15x
Maryland
15,340 jobs$113,6101.66x
Michigan
14,070 jobs$103,4100.96x
Georgia
11,640 jobs$106,2400.71x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Complex Problem Solving
94%
#3
Writing
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Critical Thinking
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Systems Evaluation
46%
#10
Systems Analysis
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.7
94%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Systems Evaluation
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Petroleum Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Actuaries82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers82%
5 shared skills
Web Administrators82%
5 shared skills
Industrial Ecologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Computer Systems Analysts
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechRed Hat OpenShift
🔥 Hot TechSpring Boot
🔥 Hot TechApache Spark
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Power BI
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechSlack
🔥 Hot TechAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Docker
GitHub
Red Hat OpenShift
Spring Boot
Apache Spark
Microsoft Power BI
Tableau
Slack
Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (6)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (7)Communication & Coordination (1)Management & Supervision (2)Operations & Execution (1)Training & Development (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination88% perform92%
6
Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision85% perform90%
7
Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter systems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Computer Systems Analysts
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals typically have a ICR Holland code and highly value working conditions
IInvestigative
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Computer Systems Analysts
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.46
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.15
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.86
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.65
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.64
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.57
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.2
Dependability
3.9
Integrity
3.6
Cooperation
3.6
Initiative
3.6
Persistence
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Computer Systems Analysts.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 49 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 2 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: TX (8) , SC (4) , AR (3) , GU (3) , IL (3)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Computer Systems Analysts
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.8k program completions/year
MyComputerCareer at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
1.8k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.4k program completions/year
MyComputerCareer at Columbus
Columbus, OH
1.2k program completions/year
MyComputerCareer at Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
1.1k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.0k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.0k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
718 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
716 program completions/year
Gwinnett Technical College
Lawrenceville, GA
626 program completions/year
Northshore Technical Community College
Lacombe, LA
595 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
546 program completions/year