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Computer Systems Analysts

$103,800 Median Wage (2023)

37,300 Projected job openings (2023-2033)

10.70% Projected growth (2023-2033)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
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.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

Related Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: N.A.

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Detailed Work Activities

Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
Test software performance.
Coordinate software or hardware installation.
Write computer programming code.
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Configure computer networks.
Modify software programs to improve performance.
Collect data about customer needs.
Identify information technology project resource requirements.
Train others in computer interface or software use.
Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
Design integrated computer systems.
Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
Develop diagrams or flow charts of system operation.
Develop testing routines or procedures.
Document design or development procedures.
Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.
Read documents to gather technical information.
Supervise information technology personnel.
Manage information technology projects or system activities.
Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems.
Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
Select production input materials.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

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.
Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter systems.
Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
Recommend new equipment or software packages.
Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.

Work Styles

Achievement/Effort

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 28.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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