Database Architect
Median wage · national
$104,620
Range: $80K – $135K
Employed
70K
Openings/yr
4K
Typically: bachelor's degree
STEM
Computer Systems Analyst
With a national median of $105,850 and +8.7% projected job growth through 2034, Computer Systems Analyst offers both strong financial return and stable long-term demand.
About Computer Systems Analyst
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.
- Median Wage
- $105,850
- Employed Nationally
- 520K
- Openings / Year
- 34,200
- Entry Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 3: Medium Preparation
Also known as:
Applications Analyst
Applications Systems Analyst
Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner)
Business Systems Analyst
Computer Analyst
How Much Do Computer Systems Analysts Make?
Computer Systems Analyst earn $105,850 nationally, well above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $82,860 and $134,110. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$105,850
National Median (Annual)
Well above average for college graduates.
$83K–$134K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$82,860
Entry-level
$105,850
Median
$134,110
Experienced
What Do Computer Systems Analysts Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Computer Systems Analyst roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- 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.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Speaking
Active Listening
Writing
Who Thrives Here
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
Where Do Computer Systems Analysts Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Computer Systems Analysts?
The BLS projects +8.7% employment change for Computer Systems Analyst through 2034, well above the national average of +5%. About 34,200 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +8.7%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Faster than average.
34,200
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
520K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Computer Systems Analyst professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $105,850 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 55,460 | $127,660 | +20.6% |
| 2 | Texas | 48,150 | $104,970 | -0.8% |
| 3 | Florida | 35,660 | $100,770 | -4.8% |
| 4 | North Carolina | 25,350 | $104,940 | -0.9% |
| 5 | Virginia | 22,730 | $113,500 | +7.2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Computer Systems Analyst positions require a bachelor's degree to qualify. The 3 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone
Zone 3: Medium Preparation
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information Systems | 103,827 | $92,374 | 1,579 |
| 2 | Computer Systems Networking | 13,734 | $73,587 | 618 |
| 3 | Computer Systems Analysis | 2,864 | $78,929 | 116 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Computer Systems Analysts
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY | 93 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| 4 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA | 93 | $12,470 | $84,943 |
| 5 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA | 93 | $13,481 | $92,446 |
| 6 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Computer Systems Analyst, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Computer Systems Analyst pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Computer Systems Analyst Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and growing demand make Computer Systems Analyst a compelling path. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
PROS
- Very high median salary The national median of $105,850 places this career well above average for college graduates, with significant upside at the 75th percentile.
- Fast-growing field At +8.7% projected growth through 2034, this career grows faster than the national average of about +5%. A strong signal for long-term demand.
- High earning ceiling Top earners (75th percentile) reach $134,110 annually. Strong performers, specialists, and those in high-cost markets have significant upside beyond the median.
- Large, established field 520K people work in this occupation nationally, creating a broad job market with openings spread across every region and industry.
CONS
- Earnings and demand vary significantly by region National figures for Computer Systems Analyst mask real geographic variation. High-demand metros can pay 20% or more above the national median while lower-cost or rural markets often fall well short. Where you work matters nearly as much as your credentials.
Computer Systems Analyst Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Computer Systems Analyst professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Computer Systems Analyst is $105,850, well into the top quartile of US wages. The middle 50% of earners fall between $82,860 and $134,110. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Computer Systems Analyst a good career?
Yes, the data is strong. A $105,850 median with +8.7% projected growth through 2034 is a combination most career fields can't match. The real variable is early career: workers around the 25th percentile earn $82,860, so your first employer and location will shape your trajectory more than the national number suggests.
How do I become a Computer Systems Analyst?
Most Computer Systems Analyst positions require a bachelor's degree as the minimum credential. a medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience. Programs like Information Systems are common starting points.
What is the job outlook for Computer Systems Analyst?
The BLS projects +8.7% employment change for Computer Systems Analyst through 2034, faster than average compared to all occupations. About 34,200 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 520K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
Why do Computer Systems Analyst professionals earn so much?
At $105,850 median with a Zone 3 preparation level, Computer Systems Analyst compensates well because specialized expertise creates high economic value per hour, and the role typically carries meaningful liability, decision-making responsibility, or direct revenue impact. Industries that depend on this skill set pay competitively to attract and retain people who are genuinely good at it.
Why do Computer Systems Analyst salaries vary so widely?
The $51,250 gap between the 25th ($82,860) and 75th ($134,110) percentile reflects how much employer type, industry, specialization, and geography affect pay. Entry-level roles and lower-demand markets cluster near the bottom; senior, specialized, or high-cost-metro positions push the top. In fields with this much spread, where you work and what you specialize in often matters more than years of experience.
What skills do Computer Systems Analyst professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Computer Systems Analyst roles: Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking, Active Listening, and Writing. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
Related Findings
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- No bachelor degree
- High paying careers
- Associate degree
- Trades
- Median wage
-
Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
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