All About Computer Systems Analysts
Occupation 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.
Daily Life Of a Computer Systems Analyst
- Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
- Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
- Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.
- Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
- Recommend new equipment or software packages.
Qualities of 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.
Types of Computer Systems Analyst
- Information Technology Auditor (IT Auditor)
- Data Processing Systems Consultant
- Information Systems Architect
- Technical Business Analyst
- Information Systems Specialist
Job Opportunities 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.
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 Salary
Computer Systems Analysts make between $54,360 and $142,220 a year.
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 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
Education needed to be a Computer Systems Analyst:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts work in the following industries:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer Systems Analyst might also be interested in the following careers:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers
- Industrial Safety and Health Engineers
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Army graphic via Public domain
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