### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Computer Systems Analysts Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			computer systems analysts imageComputer systems analysts help organizations evaluate their computer system needs.							
						Quick Facts:     Computer Systems Analysts2023     Median Pay
            						$103,800     per year
										$49.90     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    531,400Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    10% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    51,100What Computer Systems Analysts Do
                                                
                        
                        
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most computer systems analysts work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst
                                                
                        
Computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Studying a computer science or information systems field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire job candidates who have a degree in business or liberal arts along with relevant skills.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $103,800 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of computer systems analysts is projected to grow							 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 37,600 openings for computer systems analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer systems analysts.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer systems analysts with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about computer systems analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Computer Systems Analysts Do 
            

			Computer systems analystsAnalysts create diagrams to help programmers and architects build computer systems.			
Computer systems analysts, sometimes called *systems architects*, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to them. In doing so, these analysts help the organization operate more efficiently.
Duties
Computer systems analysts typically do the following:
Consult with managers to determine the role of information technology (IT) systems in an organization
Research different technologies to decide if they would increase the organization’s efficiency
Analyze costs and benefits of IT systems and upgrades to help managers decide which, if any, to install
Devise ways to add functionality to existing computer systems
Design new systems by configuring hardware and software
Oversee the installation and configuration of new systems and customize them for the organization
Test systems to ensure that they work as expected
Write instruction manuals and train the systems’ end usersMost computer systems analysts specialize in computer systems that are specific to their organization type. For example, an analyst might work with financial computer systems or with engineering computer systems. Computer systems analysts work with other IT team members to help an organization’s business leaders understand how computer systems best serve the organization.
Computer systems analysts use a variety of techniques, such as data modeling, to design computer systems. Data modeling allows analysts to view processes and data flows. Analysts conduct indepth tests and analyze information and trends in the data to increase a system’s efficiency.
Analysts calculate requirements for how much memory, storage, and computing power the computer system needs. They prepare diagrams for programmers or engineers to use when building the system. Analysts also work with these people to solve problems that arise after the initial system setup. Most analysts do some programming in the course of their work.
Analysts who focus on coding and debugging, in addition to their other tasks, may be referred to as *programmer analysts.*They also may design and update their system’s software and create applications tailored to their organization’s needs. For information about other occupations that do programming or testing, see the profiles on computer programmers and software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.
In some cases, analysts who supervise the installation or upgrade of IT systems from start to finish may be called *IT project managers*. They monitor a project’s progress to ensure that deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. IT project managers who also plan and direct an organization’s IT department or IT policies are included in the profile on computer and information systems managers.
 Work Environment
			Computer systems analystsSome systems analysts work as consultants.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Computer systems analysts held about 531,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of computer systems analysts were as follows:
        Computer systems design and related services
                24%Finance and insurance
                13Management of companies and enterprises
                10Information
                8Government
                7Computer systems analysts may work directly for an organization or as contractors, often for an information technology firm. The projects that computer systems analysts work on usually require them to collaborate with others.
Work Schedules
Most computer systems analysts work full time.
 How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst

			Computer systems analystsMost computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree.			
Computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Studying a computer science or information systems field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire job candidates who have a degree in business or liberal arts along with relevant skills.
Education
Computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor's degreein computer and information technology or a related field, such as mathematics. Because these analysts are involved in the business side of an organization, taking business courses or majoring in management information systems may be helpful. Some employers hire job candidates who have liberal arts degrees and have gained programming or technical expertise elsewhere.
Some employers prefer applicants who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems. For technically complex jobs, a master’s degree in computer science may be more appropriate.
Systems analysts may take continuing education courses throughout their careers to stay abreast of new technology. Technological advances are common in the computer field, and continual study is necessary to remain competitive.
Systems analysts also must understand the industry they are working in. For example, an analyst working in a hospital may need a thorough understanding of healthcare plans and programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, and an analyst working for a bank may need to understand finance. Having industry-specific knowledge helps systems analysts communicate with managers to determine the role of the information technology (IT) systems in an organization.
Advancement
With experience, systems analysts may advance to become project managers and lead a team of analysts. Some eventually become IT directors or chief technology officers. For more information, see the profile on computer and information systems managers.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills*.** Analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project. They must also figure out how changes may affect the project.
***Business skills.*** Analysts design and implement computer systems or upgrade existing systems to meet an organization’s business goals. Analysts must have a thorough understanding of their organization’s business objectives in order to meet its needs.
***Communication skills*.** Analysts work as a liaison between management and the IT department and must explain complex issues in a way that both understand.
***Creativity.*** Because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, they must be resourceful and use ingenuity in their work.
***Detail oriented.*** Analysts study an organization’s computer systems and must pay attention to the minutiae to find areas of inefficiency or error.
***Organizational skills.*** Analysts may coordinate work with different areas of an organization and must keep track of many tasks and deadlines to ensure that projects proceed according to plan.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Computer Systems AnalystsMedian annual wages, May 2023Computer occupations$104,420  Computer systems analysts$103,800  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $103,800 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $165,700.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for computer systems analysts in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Management of companies and enterprises
                $107,820Information
                105,440Finance and insurance
                105,190Computer systems design and related services
                103,620Government
                91,510Most computer systems analysts work full time.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Computer Systems AnalystsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Computer occupations14%  Computer systems analysts10%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of computer systems analysts is projected to grow				 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 37,600 openings for computer systems analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
As organizations across the economy continue to rely on information technology (IT), computer systems analysts will be hired to design and install new computer systems. Small firms with minimal IT requirements will find it more cost effective to contract with outside firms for these services rather than to hire computer systems analysts directly.
			

                        Employment projections data for     computer systems analysts, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Computer systems analysts**
			15-1211
			531,400
			582,600
			10
			51,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Computer systems analysts **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of computer systems analysts. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Actuaries**
            Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty.
            Bachelor's degree
            $120,000**Computer and Information Research Scientists**
            Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology.
            Master's degree
            $145,080**Computer and Information Systems Managers**
            Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
            Bachelor's degree
            $169,510**Computer Network Architects**
            Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
            Bachelor's degree
            $129,840**Computer Programmers**
            Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,700**Database Administrators and Architects**
            Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
            Bachelor's degree
            $117,450**Information Security Analysts**
            Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
            Bachelor's degree
            $120,360**Management Analysts**
            Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,410**Network and Computer Systems Administrators**
            Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.
            Bachelor's degree
            $95,360**Operations Research Analysts**
            Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.
            Bachelor's degree
            $83,640**Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers**
            Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.
            Bachelor's degree
            $130,160**Computer Support Specialists**
            Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.
            See How to Become One
            $60,810**Web Developers and Digital Designers**
            Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,750
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about computer systems analysts, visit
Association for Computing Machinery
Computing Research Association
IEEE Computer Society
For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit
National Center for Women & Information Technology

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Computer Systems AnalystsHealth Informatics Specialists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Systems Analysts, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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