Computer & Mathematical
Computer Systems Analysts
Also called: Applications Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst
US median pay
$105,850
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.9%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
32,900
544,400 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do 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.
- Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
- Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
- Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Systems Evaluation3.8/5
- Systems Analysis3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Programming3.2/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Mathematics3.2/5
- Administration and Management3.2/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree51%
- Bachelor's degree42%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.