Computer Systems Analysts: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Computer Systems Analysts

Computer Systems Analysts 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.

Salary
$99020
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Computer Systems Analysts 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.

  • Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  • Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  • Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
  • Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
Read more about what does a Computer Systems Analyst really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$93610 per year

Average hourly wage
$45 per hour


Computer Systems Analysts with little to no experience tend to make between $54360 and $68730 while the more experienced ones can earn over $113460 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
NJ $52 $107,540
DC $51 $106,790
NY $51 $106,320
CA $50 $103,930
VA $49 $102,290

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Computer Systems Analyst is to move to a higher paying state like NJ. Right now, the highest paying states for Computer Systems Analysts are NJ, DC, NY, CA and VA.

However, a higher pay at NJ doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at NJ might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Computer Systems Analyst is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Bachelor’s degree

We asked other Computer Systems Analysts what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by an Associate’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Computer and Information Sciences, General
Information Technology
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Read more about how to become a Computer Systems Analyst and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Computer Systems Analyst.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally
Suitable for people who wants job security and a good working condition
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Very high salary (top 25% highest paid careers)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
69%

Is this job meaningful
46%


69% of Computer Systems Analysts said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Thinkers and The Organizers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.



Learn more about Computer Systems Analysts

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

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