Salary of Computer Systems Analyst Overview

Computer systems analysts use their knowledge of information technology and business to design better computer systems and processes for their clients. And although these professionals have many responsibilities, their first task is to understand their client’s business, whether it’s an organization in Silicon Valley or a firm on Wall Street. And they specifically want to learn how the organization uses technology. Analysts will then examine the best technologies to help the organization’s overall computer system—hardware, software, and networks—run more efficiently and effectively.

But their work does not end with research. These professionals also use their business acumen to prepare cost-benefit analysis for upgrades. And if management approves upgrades, computer systems analysts will oversee the installation of new systems. They also test the systems and train their organization on them. And when the inevitable hiccups arise, computer systems analysts are the ones to solve the problems. You’ll find far more extroverts in this field than in other IT jobs because job duties involve almost constant collaboration with others.

Randy Weinberg, professor emeritus of the School of Information Systems Program at Carnegie Mellon University, has worked in technology since the days of the mainframe, when people working with supercomputers wore special lab coats. Progress in this area has been steady. “It never gets more exciting,” he says. “It’s a constant challenge to keep up with all the changes.” From compliance and privacy issues to an increasing reliance on mobile technologies, the industry is constantly changing.

Many analysts work for computer systems design companies, but they are also employed in a range of industries, from science to health care to banking and finance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 7.0 percent for computer systems analysts between 2020 and 2030. During this period, about 42,800 jobs should be created.