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Computer Systems Analysts
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Other titles employers use
Applications Analyst · Business Systems Analyst · Computer Analyst · Computer Systems Analyst · Computer Systems Consultant · Information Systems Analyst (ISA) · IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst) · IT Systems Analyst (Information Technology Systems Analyst)
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
- Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, organizing and practical work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
Useful strengths
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Information Ordering
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.0 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.4 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.2 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 3.3 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A two-year degree 51%
- A four-year degree 42%
- A certificate or some college 5%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Development environment software
- Web platform development software
- Data base management system software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Operating system software
- Project management software
- Application server software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 61,150
- Job openings each year
- 4,560
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 29.8%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 61,150 | 4,560 | 29.8% |
| California | 56,600 | 3,650 | 9.5% |
| Florida | 38,280 | 2,650 | 18.1% |
| New York | 31,750 | 320 | 11.4% |
| Virginia | 26,680 | 1,690 | 7.6% |
| North Carolina | 26,530 | 1,810 | 16.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 23,860 | 1,530 | 9.2% |
| Washington | 23,540 | 1,920 | 15.8% |
| Illinois | 22,430 | 1,370 | 4.3% |
| Maryland | 17,980 | 1,220 | 15.9% |
| Arizona | 17,290 | 1,220 | 21.6% |
| Michigan | 16,620 | 1,050 | 6.8% |
| Georgia | 16,600 | 1,110 | 13.2% |
| Minnesota | 13,370 | 840 | 7.3% |
| Wisconsin | 13,110 | 880 | 14.4% |
| New Jersey | 12,980 | 800 | 4.8% |
| Colorado | 12,380 | 870 | 21.3% |
| South Carolina | 10,640 | 740 | 19.8% |
| Missouri | 10,170 | 660 | 10.2% |
| Tennessee | 9,890 | 710 | 22.6% |
| Indiana | 9,770 | 640 | 11.8% |
| Oregon | 8,620 | 580 | 14.3% |
| Connecticut | 7,130 | 450 | 7.1% |
| Kansas | 6,290 | 390 | 6.6% |
| Iowa | 6,130 | 400 | 9.5% |
| Alabama | 5,520 | 340 | 5.3% |
| Massachusetts | 5,400 | 350 | 8.7% |
| Kentucky | 4,490 | 290 | 9.2% |
| Nebraska | 4,130 | 270 | 10.7% |
| Oklahoma | 3,870 | 250 | 8.1% |
| Utah | 3,580 | 260 | 24.3% |
| New Hampshire | 3,000 | 200 | 12.4% |
| New Mexico | 2,970 | 210 | 18.3% |
| Arkansas | 2,930 | 200 | 14.5% |
| Maine | 2,660 | 160 | 2.7% |
| District of Columbia | 2,480 | 150 | 5.5% |
| Louisiana | 2,350 | 150 | 6.3% |
| Delaware | 2,320 | 150 | 6.9% |
| Nevada | 2,310 | 160 | 17.9% |
| Rhode Island | 2,270 | 150 | 11.8% |
| Idaho | 2,150 | 150 | 21.5% |
| Mississippi | 1,970 | 130 | 10.1% |
| Puerto Rico | 1,450 | 100 | 18.9% |
| South Dakota | 1,050 | 70 | 11.7% |
| West Virginia | 880 | 60 | 11.4% |
| Montana | 650 | 40 | 12.1% |
| Alaska | 630 | 40 | 8.6% |
| Vermont | 570 | 40 | 11.8% |
| Ohio | 320 | 20 | 3.2% |
| North Dakota | 230 | 20 | 4.5% |
| Wyoming | 200 | 20 | 25.0% |
| Virgin Islands | 80 | 0 | −11.1% |
| Guam | 60 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Degrees each year
- 1,215
- Admit rate
- 18%
- Annual cost after aid
- $5,000
Program entryOpen major
Open college TXThe University of Texas at Dallas
- Degrees each year
- 1,131
- Admit rate
- 65%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
Program entryDirect to major
Open college GAGeorgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 1,070
- Admit rate
- 16%
- Annual cost after aid
- $11,000
Program entryOpen major
Open college WIUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
- Degrees each year
- 864
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Program entryOpen major
Open college UTWestern Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 1,000
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Program entryFirst-year program admission
Open college FLUniversity of Central Florida
- Degrees each year
- 812
- Admit rate
- 40%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Program entryOpen major
Open college VAGeorge Mason University
- Degrees each year
- 761
- Admit rate
- 89%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Program entryFirst-year program admission
Open college CAUniversity of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 737
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Program entryDirect to major
Open collegeCompare every college offering computer and information sciences, general