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. 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.

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, Applications Systems Analyst, Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner), Computer Architect, Computer Consultant, Computer Equipment Analyst, Computer Methods Analyst, Computer Systems Design Analyst, Computer Systems Designer, Computer Systems Specialist, Configuration Analyst, Configuration Manager, Cross Enterprise Integrator, Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist, Data Processing Consultant, Data Processing Systems Analyst, Data Processing Systems Consultant, Data Processing Systems Project Planner, Database Analyst, Database Design Analyst, Digital Computer Systems Analyst, EDI Analyst (Electronic Data Exchange Analyst), Electronic Transactions Implementer, Engineering Systems Analyst, ERP Consultant (Enterprise Resource Planning Consultant), ERP Specialist (Enterprise Resource Planning Specialist), Functional Analyst, Health Systems Analyst, Implementation Consultant, Information Scientist, Information Systems Auditor (IS Auditor), Information Systems Consultant (IS Consultant), Information Systems Planner (IS Planner), Information Systems Specialist (IS Specialist), Internet Analyst, IT Auditor (Information Technology Auditor), IT Business Analyst (Information Technology Business Analyst), IT Business Systems Analyst (Information Technology Business Systems Analyst), IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), IT Performance Analyst (Information Technology Performance Analyst), IT Security Analyst (Information Technology Security Analyst), Public Key Infrastructure Analyst (PKI Analyst), Scientific Systems Analyst, Software Analyst, Software Consultant, Solution Architect, Systems Analysis Specialist, Systems Integrator, Technical Analyst, Technical Business Analyst, Technical Consultant, Technology Analyst, Virus Technician (Virus Tech), Vulnerability Assessment Analyst, Vulnerability Assessor

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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, machines and equipment

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Systems Analysis
Systems Evaluation
Active Learning
Judgment and Decision Making
Writing
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Programming

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Some College Courses (4.62% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

82,860–134,110 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-1211.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Some College Courses (4.62% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Computer Systems Analysts