A computer systems analyst study’s a company’s computer systems and procedures, then designs solutions to assist the organization to operate more effectively and efficiently. These analysts bring IT and business together as they understand the limitations and requirements of both. Most computer systems analysts are specialists in the computer systems that are specific to the company they work with. (BLS.gov).
Sponsored School(s)
Typical duties of computer systems analysts are:
- Working with managers to determine which IT systems are needed in an organization.
- Research new technologies to determine if installing them can enhance the company’s efficiency and effectiveness.
- Write a cost and benefits analysis so managers can determine if IT systems and infrastructure upgrades are worth doing.
- Find ways to add functionality to current computer systems.
- Design and implement new computer systems by configuring and choosing software and hardware.
- Perform testing to ensure that computer systems are working as they should.
- Train end-users of the system on how to use new systems; write instruction manuals.
Computer systems analysts use many advanced techniques, such as data modeling, to create new computer systems. Data modeling allows the professional to view data flows and processes. Analysts also perform tests and analyze trends and information in data to boost system efficiency and performance.
Computer systems analysts also do calculations to check how much memory, storage and computing power is needed for the new computer system. They often devise flowcharts and other diagrams for engineers and programmers to use as they build new systems. Sometimes analysts will supervise the installation of new IT systems; in this case, they are called IT project managers.
Computer Systems Analyst Salary Outlook
Students who are interested in the computer systems analyst field typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. It also can be useful to have an MBA so that you have an understanding of how business management and IT intersect.
SEE ALSO: Best Online Master’s in Business Analytics Degree Rankings
Before earning your degree, it is wise to look into the salary potential in this field. Below is detailed salary outlook information for computer systems analysts.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for computer systems analysts was $88,700 in May 2018, with a range between $54,400 and $142,220. The top-paying industries in this field were: (BLS.gov)
- Computer systems design and related services: $91,500
- Management of companies and enterprises: $91,200
- Information: $90,700
- Finance and insurance: $90,700
- Government: $80,300
A related profession is computer and information research scientist. BLS reports the median salary in this field was $118,300 in May 2018, with a range between $69,200 and $183,800. (BLS.gov). Top-paying industries were as follows:
- Software publishers: $140,200
- Research and development: $128,500
- Computer systems design and related services: $124,200
- Federal government: $109,800
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $82,600
Payscale.com
This website reports the average salary for computer systems analysts is $67,732, with a range between $45,000 and $98,000. (Payscale.com). Some of the reported salaries were:
- Northrop Grumman Corporation: $75,000
- Accenture: $91,000
- Lockheed Martin Corp: $73,000
- Cognizant: $65,000
- Techmahindra: $68,000
Popular skills for these workers and corresponding salaries are:
- Windows Operating System: $62,300
- Microsoft Office: $63,100
- SQL: $64,500
- Microsoft SQL Server: $68,805
- Microsoft Excel: $63,200
As a computer systems analyst, your salary will grow with your experience:
- Less than one year of experience: $55,300
- One to four years of experience: $59,200
- Five to nine years of experience: $70,700
- Ten to 19 years of experience: $77,700
- 20 or more years of experience: $85,000
Living in the following cities can result in higher or lower salaries:
- San Diego: +32%
- Los Angeles: +9%
- Baltimore: +7%
- Columbus: -1%
- Atlanta: -2%
- Huntsville, Alabama: -2%
- New York City: -9%
US News & World Report
This publication reports the median salary for computer systems analysts is $88,270, with a range between $68,260 and $112,540. (USNews.com). The source found these cities offer the best salaries in this profession:
- San Francisco: $122,380
- San Jose: $118,000
- New York City: $114,000
- Oxnard, California: $111,940
- Danbury, Connecticut: $109,300
The best states for salary are:
- New Jersey: $105,m750
- Washington DC: $104,900
- New York: $103,500
- California: $102,800
- Virginia: $100,100
Ziprecruiter.com
This website reports the national average salary in the field is $74,800 with a range between $35,000 and $117,500. It also states the current salary range for most in the field is between $56,500 and $93,500. (Ziprecruiter.com).
Glassdoor.com
Glassdoor.com reports the average salary in this field is $71,230 with a range between $59,000 and $96,000. (Glassdoor.com).
Job Demand for Computer Systems Analysts
Employment for computer systems analysts will grow 9% through 2028, which is faster than average. (BLS.gov). The site notes that as of 2018, there were 633,900 people working in this field; this will increase to 689,900 by 2028. As companies rely more on IT, analysts will be brought on board to design and install new computer systems. Smaller companies with more modest IT requirements may find it more cost-effective to contract with cloud service companies. This type of contracting will likely lead to more job growth in hosting, data processing, and related services.
Job growth for computer systems analysts is especially likely in various healthcare fields. Computer systems analysts are needed to deal with the increase of use of electronic health records, electronic prescriptions and other types of healthcare IT.
Summary
More companies across the country rely more on complex IT systems, so more workers are needed to be brought on board to design and install these new systems. Whether these workers are full time or contractors, we can expect a higher need for workers with advanced skills in computer systems analysis for years to come. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can easily earn $70,000 or $80,000 per year with less than three years of experience, making it a desirable field for many technology workers.