How to become a Computer Systems Analyst

Official title: Computer Systems Analysts

Also called: 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), Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst

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.

Main tasks

• 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.

How to become one

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.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Communications-Computer Systems Planning and Implementation(Mil Only).
• Apprenticeship: Computer Systems Analyst.
• Apprenticeship: Public Health Informatician (Cdc).
• College: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 34 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $105,850 a year The middle half earn $82,860 to $134,110.
• About 544,400 people work in this job now, and about 587,200 are projected by 2035. (+7.9%)
• People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Related jobs

• Health Informatics Specialists
• Information Security Analysts
• Computer Programmers
• Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Computer Network Support Specialists

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Computer Systems Analyst?

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.

How much does a Computer Systems Analyst earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $105,850 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $82,860 to $134,110.

Is a Computer Systems Analyst a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 544,400 to about 587,200 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Computer Systems Analyst?

Usually. 72% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Computer Systems Analyst?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.