Software Developer
Design, build and improve the apps and systems people use every day.
- $135,980
- 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio
Technology career
Computer Systems Analyst
Also called: Systems Analyst · Business Systems Analyst · IT Business Analyst · Systems Architect
What computer systems analysts do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a computer systems analyst do?
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s systems and processes, gather requirements and design or improve information systems that help the business work better. The median pay is $105,850 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +7.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$105,850$50.89/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+7.9%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year32,900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs544,400Employment, 2025
What computer systems analysts do
Systems analysts connect business and IT. They interview users, map processes, identify problems, define requirements, evaluate software options, work with developers on solutions, test systems and train users. Many specialize in an industry, such as healthcare, finance or manufacturing, or in platforms such as ERP and CRM.
Most analysts have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or business. Experience in the industry they support is valuable. The role suits people who like both technology and people and enjoy turning messy problems into clear plans.
Typical duties
- Interview users and gather requirements
- Map current and future processes
- Analyze system problems and options
- Write specifications and user stories
- Work with developers and vendors
- Test systems and coordinate user acceptance
- Train users and document systems
Work environment and schedule
Analysts work in offices or remotely, meeting with business teams and IT staff. The work combines meetings, documentation and computer analysis.
Schedule: Most work full-time business hours, with extra hours around system launches.
A day in the life
- Meet the finance team to understand problems with month-end reporting.
- Map the current invoice approval process.
- Write user stories for a new approval workflow.
- Review vendor proposals for an ERP module.
See a full day in the life of a computer systems analyst →
Computer Systems Analyst salary
Half of computer systems analysts earned more than $105,850 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $67,340 for the lowest 10% to $167,710 for the top 10%.
Full computer systems analyst pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a computer systems analyst
- Earn a relevant degree
- Get IT or business experience
- Learn analysis methods
- Earn credentials
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or a related field is typical. Business or industry knowledge is a big advantage.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a computer systems analyst →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Requirements gathering
- Process mapping
- System design
- SQL and data analysis
- Testing
People skills
- Communication
- Analytical thinking
- Facilitation
- Problem solving
All computer systems analyst skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good pay and steady demand
- Mix of people and technology
- Industry specialization options
- Path to architecture and management
Cons
- Balancing conflicting stakeholder needs
- Lots of meetings
- Pressure during launches
- Requirements change often
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): IIBA credential for experienced analysts.
- ITIL Foundation: IT service management certification.
- PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA): PMI’s business analysis credential.
- Platform certifications: Such as Salesforce or SAP credentials.
Career path
- Junior Analyst or IT Support: Learn systems and users.
- Systems Analyst: Lead requirements and design.
- Senior Analyst or Solutions Architect: Design larger systems.
- IT Manager or Director: Lead IT functions.
Learn the job before day one
Our Computer Systems Analyst training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as gather requirements from users and map a business process, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Database Administrator
Keep databases fast, secure, backed up and available.
- $104,620
- 4 years plus experience
IT Manager
Lead technology teams, budgets and strategy for an organization.
- $175,140
- Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of IT experience
Project Manager
Plan projects, lead teams and deliver results on time, on budget and in scope.
- $102,320
- 1–4+ years
Compare: Computer Systems Analyst vs. Software Developer · Computer Systems Analyst vs. Database Administrator · Computer Systems Analyst vs. IT Manager · Computer Systems Analyst vs. Project Manager
Computer Systems Analyst FAQ
Is a systems analyst the same as a business analyst?
They overlap; systems analysts focus more on IT systems.
Do I need to code?
Not always, but SQL and technical understanding help.
What industries hire systems analysts?
Almost all, especially healthcare, finance and government.
How much does a computer systems analyst make?
The median annual wage for computer systems analysts was $105,850 ($50.89 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $67,340 and the highest 10% earned more than $167,710.
How long does it take to become a computer systems analyst?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or a related field is typical. Business or industry knowledge is a big advantage.
Do you need a degree to be a computer systems analyst?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but some analysts move into the role from IT support or business roles with experience and certifications such as the CBAP.
More computer systems analyst questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 15-1211 (Computer systems analysts).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Computer systems analysts (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.