How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts enjoy versatile careers and high employment demand. These tech professionals find cost-effective technological solutions to meet business needs and design services to improve computer infrastructure. Many specialize in fields like banking, government services, and healthcare.

As a computer systems analyst, you must stay informed on new technologies. You can expect a higher-than-average salary as a computer systems analyst, especially if you hold a degree.

Want to learn how to become a computer systems analyst? Discover pathways to the profession in this comprehensive career guide, along with their typical duties and average salaries.

Computer systems analysts combine business and technology skills to help organizations operate efficiently. They study an organization’s computer systems to create solutions that prioritize efficiency and effectiveness.

Because computer systems analysts coordinate with management-level employees and IT staff, they must have strong communication skills. Many computer systems analysts also rely on creativity to design innovative solutions to problems.

The duties and responsibilities of a computer systems analyst may include:

Computer systems analysts may specialize in certain hardware or software setups. Systems architects, for example, help organizations choose computing systems by considering the organization’s long-term goals. Application analysts test software systems to diagnose problems and develop programs for companies, while programmer analysts create applications designed to meet an organization’s needs. These roles offer different levels of responsibility and earning potential.

In 2022, roughly 531,400 computer systems analysts worked nationwide. These professionals find employment in industries like computer system design, finance, management, information, and government. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for the profession to grow by 10% from 2022-2032.

Computer systems analysts often work as consultants or on teams with other information technology (IT) experts. They can specialize in various subjects, such as education, healthcare, finance, and technology. Professionals employed by banks, for instance, must have a grasp of the finance industry and business.

You can achieve professional success as a computer systems analyst through various pathways. In computer science and information technology, professionals can opt for alternative self-education routes. The following outlines the most common (albeit not the only) route to becoming a computer systems analyst.

Although self-taught IT professionals can excel as computer systems analysts, most employers now expect a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Computer systems analysts often hold bachelor’s degrees in computer science, information technology, or other similar fields. However, some professionals come from non-computer science backgrounds.

With a business degree and programming experience from a bootcamp, you can also pursue this career. The courses in a computer science bachelor’s program train you to comprehend systems applications and products for data management.

Senior computer systems professionals in complex technology roles usually must possess master’s degrees.

Prospective students should choose programs from accredited schools. Additionally, some employers may prefer candidates who graduated from ABET-accredited programs.

To secure a position as a computer systems analyst, employers might stipulate work experience as a requirement, in addition to any educational qualifications. The required years of experience vary based on the role. Sometimes, you can bypass the degree requirement with professional experience and sufficient computing knowledge. If you pursue a career in a specialty field or sector, such as the military or government, you may need additional experience in that area.

To gain experience, you can seek out internships. Some bachelor’s programs include internships for college credit. Pursuing entry-level careers, like junior software developer, can also help you get your start in the industry.

Industry certifications from professional tech organizations can keep you up to date on security operations, troubleshooting, and IT infrastructure skills. Professional credentials can also make a difference professionally, in terms of getting hired or promoted. In fact, many employers list certifications as a requirement on job listings.

Most certifications require paying to take an exam and receiving a passing score. A CompTIA A+ certification, which consists of two exams, demonstrates your ability to troubleshoot hardware issues and maintain networks. The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control credential, administered through the ISACA, helps you sharpen your IT risk assessment and response skills.

The tech job market is highly competitive. Before applying for open computer systems analyst positions, you’ll want to spend time crafting an impressive application and preparing for interviews.

If your college has a career center, start your job search there. Their services may include resume-building exercises and getting leads for interviews through job fairs. Joining professional organizations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery, IEEE Computer Society, and Network Professional Association offer further career benefits. Professional organizations provide in-person and virtual networking opportunities through workshops and conferences.

Computer systems analysts can pursue promotions and advancements in areas like project management. Earning higher degrees and certifications can also provide upward mobility in their careers. Additionally, seniority can increase earning power. The BLS reports that the top 10% of computer systems analysts made more than $165,700 as of May 2023.

Computer systems analysts can advance to leadership roles as chief technology officers, IT managers, and IT directors. According to the BLS, computer and information systems managers such as these made a median salary of $169,510 in 2023, with the top 10% earning over $239,200.

It could take a minimum of 4-5 years to become an entry-level computer systems analyst. A bachelor’s degree takes an average of four years to complete, and earning a master’s degree requires an additional 2-3 years. Take note that every computer systems analyst’s career route varies in length.

Much like other IT jobs, becoming a computer systems analyst usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree. You do not necessarily need a computer science-related degree, but it helps. Certifications from professional organizations can help to demonstrate your skills in troubleshooting and security. In some companies, you may be able to work your way up to a systems analyst position from a tech support job.

Computer system analysts are paid according to their experience, degree, and industry. The BLS reports that the bottom 10% of computer systems analysts made less than $63,230 a year as of May 2023. Salaries also vary by state. As of May 2023, computer systems analysts make the most in Washington state, where they earn an annual mean salary of $132,760.

While computer systems analysts do not code regularly, they must understand coding. A background in coding offers advantages. Analysts must liaise between clients and programmers to determine user needs, which requires fundamental coding knowledge. Analysts who specifically focus on coding and debugging often work as programmer analysts.

Business systems analysts study and recommend improvements for the processes of entire organizations rather than specializing in computer systems. As a result, computer systems analysts typically need stronger IT backgrounds than business systems analysts.

Page last reviewed August 7, 2024.