Career profile for Computer Systems Analyst

What does a Computer Systems Analyst do?

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.

In addition, Computer Systems Analysts

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.

What kind of tasks does a Computer Systems Analyst perform regularly?

Computer Systems Analysts are often responsible for overseeing or executing some or all of the following tasks:

Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.

The above responsibilities are specific to Computer Systems Analysts. More generally, Computer Systems Analysts are involved in several broader types of activities:

Activities	Importance	Details
Working with Computers		Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information		Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information		Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates		Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Analyzing Data or Information		Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

What is a Computer Systems Analyst salary?

The median salary for a Computer Systems Analyst is $93,730, and the average salary is $99,020. Both the median and average roughly describe the middle of the Computer Systems Analyst salary range, but the average is more easily affected by extremely high or low salaries.

Many Computer Systems Analysts earn significantly more or less than the average, due to several factors. About 10% of Computer Systems Analysts earn less than $56,510 per year, 25% earn less than $72,030, 75% earn less than $120,890, and 90% earn less than $152,060.

Between the years of 2020 and 2030, the number of Computer Systems Analysts is expected to change by 7.0%, and there should be roughly 47,500 open positions for Computer Systems Analysts every year.

Median annual salary: $93,730
Typical salary range: $56,510 - $152,060
Projected growth (2020 - 2030): 7.0%

What personality traits are common among Computer Systems Analysts?

Interests

Career interests describe a person's preferences for different types of working environments and activities. When a person's interest match the demands of an occupation, people are usually more engaged and satisfied in that role.

Compared to most occupations, those who work as a Computer Systems Analyst are usually higher in their Investigative, Conventional, and Realistic interests.

Computer Systems Analysts typically have very strong Investigative interests. Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Also, Computer Systems Analysts typically have very strong Conventional interests. Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Lastly, Computer Systems Analysts typically have moderate Realistic interests. Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Values

People differ in their values, or what is most important to them for building job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Compared to most people, those working as a Computer Systems Analyst tend to value Working Conditions, Achievement, and Recognition.

Most importantly, Computer Systems Analysts strongly value Working Conditions. Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions.

Second, Computer Systems Analysts strongly value Achievement. Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

Lastly, Computer Systems Analysts strongly value Recognition. Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious.

Psychological Demands

Each occupation brings its own set of psychological demands, which describe the characteristics necessary to perform the job well.

In order to perform their job successfully, people who work as Computer Systems Analysts must consistently demonstrate qualities such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and adaptability/flexibility.

Below, you'll find a list of qualities typically required of Computer Systems Analysts, ranked by importance:

Demands	Importance	Details
Analytical Thinking		Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail		Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility		Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Dependability		Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity		Job requires being honest and ethical.

Analytical Thinking

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Attention to Detail

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Dependability

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity

Job requires being honest and ethical.

What education and training do Computer Systems Analysts need?

Many Computer Systems Analysts will have a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Computer Systems Analysts usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Educational degrees among Computer Systems Analysts

0.4% did not complete high school or secondary school
5.2% completed high school or secondary school
12.7% completed some college coursework
8.0% earned a Associate's degree
47.5% earned a Bachelor's degree
23.4% earned a Master's degree
2.8% earned a doctorate or professional degree

Knowledge and expertise required by Computer Systems Analysts

Computer Systems Analysts may benefit from understanding of specialized subject areas, such as computers and electronics, customer and personal service, or mathematics knowledge.

The list below shows several areas in which most Computer Systems Analysts might want to build proficiency, ranked by importance.

Knowledge areas	Importance	Details
Computers and Electronics		Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service		Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics		Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management		Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training		Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Important Abilities needed by Computer Systems Analysts

Computer Systems Analysts must develop a particular set of abilities to perform their job well. Abilities are individual capacities that influence a person's information processing, sensory perception, motor coordination, and physical strength or endurance. Individuals may naturally have certain abilities without explicit training, but most abilities can be sharpened somewhat through practice.

For example, Computer Systems Analysts need abilities such as oral comprehension, written comprehension, and problem sensitivity in order to perform their job at a high level. The list below shows several important abilities for Computer Systems Analysts, ranked by their relative importance.

Abilities	Importance	Details
Oral Comprehension		The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension		The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Problem Sensitivity		The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning		The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Expression		The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Critical Skills needed by Computer Systems Analysts

Skills are developed capacities that enable people to function effectively in real-world settings. Unlike abilities, skills are typically easier to build through practice and experience. Skills influence effectiveness in areas such as learning, working with others, design, troubleshooting, and more.

Computer Systems Analysts frequently use skills like reading comprehension, active listening, and critical thinking to perform their job effectively. The list below shows several critical skills for Computer Systems Analysts, ranked by their relative importance.

Skills	Importance	Details
Reading Comprehension		Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
Critical Thinking		Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

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.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

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.

What is the source of this information?

The information provided on this page is adapted from data and descriptions published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration under the CC BY 4.0 license. TraitLab has modified some information for ease of use and reading, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this information, please send a message.

Career profile Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

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