Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst Most 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 degree in 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.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 32,900 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 and expand information technology (IT), including artificial intelligence (AI), computer systems analysts will be hired to design and install new computer systems. Small firms with minimal IT requirements may find it more cost effective to contract with outside firms for these services rather than to hire computer systems analysts directly. Computer Systems Analysts Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Computer systems analysts 8% Computer occupations 6% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Computer Systems Analysts Do
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 users
Most 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
Work Environment
Computer systems analysts held about 544,400 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of computer systems analysts were as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 23% |
| Finance and insurance | 13 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 7 |
| Information | 7 |
Computer 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.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. 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.
More Information
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.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.