A computer systems analyst bridges the gap between business and technology. These professionals blend an understanding of business needs with the application of technology to design solutions that support organizational efficiency and goals.
This role often attracts those who are quick to adopt new technology and eager to help others understand and apply it. As a path toward this in-demand career, aspiring computer systems analysts can hone their skills and gain needed technical expertise with the online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Information Systems (CIS) program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Computer Systems Analyst Job Description and Responsibilities
Computer systems analysts serve in a broad capacity, providing critical analysis, managing software or hardware installation, troubleshooting systems issues, and consulting with business leaders to assess the role information technology (IT) will play in an organization. As a result, job responsibilities range across IT project management, analysis and consultation.
Project management responsibilities:
- Update systems to achieve technical and business requirements
- Maintain deadlines, business standards and budgets on installations
- Support computer system builds with flowcharts and organizational support
Analytic responsibilities:
- Assess existing technology, tools and information systems
- Understand users’ needs
- Establish memory, speed and other technical specifications
- Conduct root cause analysis
- Assess final status reports
- Monitor network activity
- Understand system performance and efficiency through detailed analysis and testing
Consultative responsibilities:
- Recommend improvements in technology, systems and specifications
- Select computer hardware and software
- Research emerging technologies
- Train system users and provide instruction manuals
- Frame recommendations with industry knowledge
Job Growth for Computer Systems Analysts
As cloud computing, cybersecurity and mobile networks become increasingly ubiquitous, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment of computer systems analysts will increase by 11% between 2023 and 2033. This is much faster than the average growth rate of all occupations nationally.
BLS projects these jobs to grow across industries as organizations increasingly rely on information technology (IT). With rapid technology adoption, BLS anticipates businesses may seek outside support from outsourcing or technology consulting firms to assess, design, implement and maintain systems.
Computer Systems Analyst Work Environment and Salary Potential
In addition to the diverse roles a computer systems analyst may fill, the settings in which they work can also vary, spanning IT departments, software and hardware companies, government agencies, and technology consulting firms. Computer systems analysts typically work full-time, often pulling long hours to meet challenging deadlines.
Compensation for computer systems analysts is substantial, reflecting demand as well as the dynamic expertise and determination professionals need to succeed in the role. According to BLS, computer systems analysts made a median annual salary of $103,790 in 2024, with the highest 10% of earners making more than $166,030 per year.
Salary potential and employment opportunities may vary depending on factors such as a candidate’s education and experience, as well as regional market conditions. Prospective students should conduct independent research.
Education and Training to Become a Computer Systems Analyst
BLS reports that computer systems analyst jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of study, such as the BS in CIS online program from Florida Tech. This type of degree program prepares students for numerous IT-related fields, ranging from information management to software development.
To bridge the gap between technical and business expertise, some employers prefer to hire candidates with an MBA in information technology. Alternatively, highly technical roles may give preference to those with a master’s degree in computer science.
Systems analysts must also possess industry expertise to assess IT systems in their organization effectively, so they may need to conduct formal or informal industry training. For example, one key area of current technological expansion is the health care industry. Health care technologies such as electronic health records, telehealth, remote monitoring and e-prescribing are evolving rapidly. As a result, systems analysts in the sector must have a firm understanding of the health care industry.
Is Computer Systems Analyst the Right Career Choice?
To successfully leverage modern technologies within a business system in a functional and valuable manner, computer systems analysts must have many technical and soft skills. Critical hard skills in SQL, system analysis, Oracle, Java, SAP, C, COBOL, software design, software maintenance and software development are just as important as the soft skills of communication, problem-solving, collaboration, research, troubleshooting and the ability to work on a team.
As technology continues to permeate businesses across industries, demand will keep growing for skilled computer systems analysts. Having the right education, experience and technical and soft skills will help prepare candidates for future success.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program.
