Computer Systems Analysts
SOC code 15-1211 · O*NET-SOC 15-1211.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Computer and IT
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Computer Systems Analysts pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$105,850
a year
Hourly
$50.89
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$114,610
$55.10 per hour
Middle 50%
$82,860 – $134,110
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$67,340 – $167,710
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
519,530
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $67,340
- $32.37/hr
- 25th percentile
- $82,860
- $39.84/hr
- Median percentile
- $105,850
- $50.89/hr
- 75th percentile
- $134,110
- $64.48/hr
- 90th percentile
- $167,710
- $80.63/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+9%
Growing much faster than average
521,100
jobs in 2024
566,500
projected for 2034
About 45,400 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a computer systems analyst do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
- Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
How to become a computer systems analyst
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 51% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree51%
- Bachelor's Degree42%
- Some College Courses5%
- Master's Degree1%
Common questions
How much does a computer systems analyst earn?
The national median is $105,850 a year. The full range runs from $67,340 at the 10th percentile to $167,710 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a computer systems analyst without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is computer systems analyst in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 9% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
- Writing3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Mathematics3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.2/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Telecommunications3.0/5
- Engineering and Technology2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Systems Analysis, Systems Evaluation, Judgment and Decision Making.