What Is a Computer Systems Analyst? 2025 Career Guide

Computer systems analysts specialize in maintaining and analyzing an organization’s information technology (IT) processes and procedures to help it become more efficient. In this article, learn about what a computer systems analyst does, how to become one, their earning potential, and more. 

What do computer systems analysts do?

As a computer system analyst, you’ll deal with aspects of both IT and business. In this role, you’ll work with computer systems to determine whether they’re performing correctly and efficiently for your organization. Meanwhile, you’ll also look for ways to improve how technology is used within a business.

The systems you work with depend on the nature of the business, its tasks, and goals. Computer systems analysts determine what’s needed and whether processes are optimized. Given the crossovers between IT and business, this role requires knowledge of both disciplines. 

Computer systems analyst job description

The tasks and responsibilities of a computer systems analyst can vary by business, company, and industry, but the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers a few general examples [1]:

• Consult with managers to determine business goals.

• Analyze business processes and technology systems to ensure they align with company needs.

• Systems management, including identifying ways to improve current systems and processes.

• Identify new technology to improve systems.

• Create a cost analysis for changes to systems.

• Implement, install, and configure new systems, software packages, and hardware.

• Train staff on new computer systems and create user manuals.

How to become a computer systems analyst

To become a computer systems analyst, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical abilities and business acumen. Most roles require one or more of the following qualifications: relevant degree, work experience, proven technical skills, evidence of prior work on systems projects, and industry knowledge. 

Computer systems analyst education

In the United States, 59 percent of systems analysts have a bachelor's degree, 22 percent have an associate degree, and 12 percent have a master's [2]. The most commonly pursued majors for this role include computer science, business, computer information systems, and information technology [2].

What qualifications do I need to become a computer systems analyst?

To become a computer systems analyst, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and expertise with information technology. Additionally, you may benefit from pursuing an entry-level job to gain more experience before entering a role as a computer systems analyst. Developing your skills through experience may help you stand out to future employers.

Essential skills

A computer systems analyst needs to be highly technical and have an understanding of business to ensure IT systems are meeting business needs. This requires a unique set of both technical and workplace skills. Technical skills represent the practical aspects of your role, while workplace skills contribute to how productive you are in a work environment.

Technical skills:

• Business analysis

• Project management

• Software development

• SQL

• Java

• Customer relationship management (CRM)

• Storage area networking (SAN)

• Troubleshooting

• Data analysis

Workplace skills:

• Analytical

• Research

• Communication

• Creativity

• Problem-solving

Certifications

Certifications can be a useful addition to your resume, showcasing your technical and business knowledge. They can also bridge any knowledge gaps or keep you up to date with new areas of technology.

Some popular certifications for computer system analysts include:

• ISACA: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

• AICPA: Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

• IEEE: Professional Software Engineering Master Certification

• CompTIA: Linux+

Computer systems analyst salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor as of July 2025, computer systems analysts in the US earn a median annual total salary of $125,000 [3]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 11 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is high above the national average and represents an estimated 37,300 positions open each year on average [4].

Many computer systems analysts work for technology companies, but roles are also available in the following areas:

• Financial services

• Government departments

• General businesses

• Health care

Computer systems analysts often work in offices, but remote positions may also be available.

Career advancement pathways

As a computer systems analyst, you have plenty of options for career advancement. For example, you may pursue a leadership role and become a technical project manager who leads full teams of analysts. Further experience can lead to positions such as IT director and chief technology officer (CTO), according to the BLS [5].

Possible positions and median annual total salaries* include:

• Quality assurance analyst: $76,000 [6]

• Computer systems architect: $165,000 [7]

• Systems developer: $124,000 [8]

• Information systems analyst: $119,000 [9]

• Application analyst: $116,000 [10]

• Information systems manager: $143,000 [11]

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of July 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Prepare for a role as a computer systems analyst with Coursera

Build your systems administration and IT infrastructure skill set with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program is designed for beginners with no prior experience to develop the skills you need for a career in IT. The topics covered include technical support fundamentals, operating systems, IT security, and more.