Career Overview
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 Known As
- Business Systems Analyst
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Programmer Analyst
- Systems Analyst
Alternate Job Titles
- Applications Analyst
- Applications Systems Analyst
- Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner)
- Business Systems Analyst
- Computer Analyst
- Computer Architect
- Computer Consultant
- Computer Equipment Analyst
- Computer Methods Analyst
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer Systems Consultant
- Computer Systems Design Analyst
- Computer Systems Designer
- Computer Systems Specialist
- Configuration Analyst
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Write code to perform desired actions.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
- Dependability
- Adaptability
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Independence
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- AJAX
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Mainframe computers
- Notebook computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $63,160 |
| Median | $103,790 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $166,030 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 497,800
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Software Developers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $133,080
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $108,970
Database Administrators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $104,620
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $171,200
Database Architects
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $135,980
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.