The median pay for Computer Systems Analysts is $105,850 a year ($50.89/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 7.9% through 2035, with about 32,900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 15-1211
- Computer and Mathematical
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Computer Systems Analyst in four numbers
- Median pay
- $105,850a year, or $50.89/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $67KTop 10% $168K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +7.9%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+7.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +7.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 32,900544,400 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025544.4K
- Projected 2035587.2K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 544.4K Projected 2035 587.2K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school0.8%
- Certificate0.5%
- Some college4.6%
- Associate's50.7%
- Bachelor's41.9%
- Master's1.4%
Highest education held by computer systems analysts Segment Value High school 0.8% Certificate 0.5% Some college 4.6% Associate's 50.7% Bachelor's 41.9% Master's 1.4%
Also advertised as: Applications Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Information Systems Analyst (ISA).
Pay
How much do computer systems analysts make?
Computer Systems Analysts earn a median of $105,850 a year ($50.89 an hour, or about $8,820 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $67,340 and the top 10% more than $167,710 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Rhode Island, with a median of $134,630. See Computer systems analyst salary in Rhode Island and every other state. By city, pay is highest around San Jose ($157,160 average): salary in every city.
Every computer systems analyst in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$105,850
Middle half earn $82,860 to $134,110
- 10th
- $67,340
- 25th
- $82,860
- 75th
- $134,110
- 90th
- $167,710
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $67,340 |
| 25th | $82,860 |
| Median | $105,850 |
| 75th | $134,110 |
| 90th | $167,710 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $105,850
- Median hourly wage
- $50.89/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $114,610
- People employed
- 519,530
Versus all US occupations
At $105,850, Computer Systems Analysts earn 108% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $54,870 a year.
Versus computer and mathematical occupations
Inside the Computer and Mathematical group, where the middle occupation pays $116,580, this is 9% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $167,710 or more while the bottom 10% earn $67,340, a gap of 2.5×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 80% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Rhode Island pays the most at $134,630, and still leads at $131,629 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay computer systems analysts the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Rhode Island | $134,630 | $131,629 | 1,850 |
| 2Washington | $129,410 | $120,929 | 24,120 |
| 3Massachusetts | $128,240 | $121,259 | 22,160 |
| 4Colorado | $127,750 | $123,967 | 6,230 |
| 5California | $127,720 | $115,354 | 59,060 |
| 6New Jersey | $122,890 | $112,945 | 16,520 |
| 7Oregon | $121,620 | $117,665 | 5,640 |
| 8Virginia | $120,840 | $119,520 | 23,190 |
| 9District of Columbia | $116,820 | $106,296 | 2,480 |
| 10Maryland | $113,610 | $108,242 | 15,340 |
Job outlook
Is computer systems analyst a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +7.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Systems Analysts | +7.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Computer Systems Analysts to change 7.9% over 2025–2035, roughly 2.3× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 42,900 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 32,900 openings are projected each year, 6.0% of the 544,400 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
As organizations across the economy continue to rely on and expand information technology (IT), including artificial intelligence (AI), computer systems analysts will be hired to design and install new computer systems. Small firms with minimal IT requirements may find it more cost effective to contract with outside firms for these services rather than to hire computer systems analysts directly.
AI exposure: very high
BLS places this occupation in its very high relative AI exposure category, among the occupations most exposed to current AI.
Getting in
How to become a computer systems analyst
Computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Studying a computer science or information systems field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire job candidates who have a degree in business or liberal arts along with relevant skills.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as computer systems analysts.
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree50.7%
- Bachelor's Degree41.9%
- Some College Courses4.6%
- Master's Degree1.4%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)0.8%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 50.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 41.9% |
| Some College Courses | 4.6% |
| Master's Degree | 1.4% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 0.8% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a computer systems analyst do?
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.
Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to them. In doing so, these analysts help the organization operate more efficiently.
Day-to-day 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.
- Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
- Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
- Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most computer systems analysts work full time.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where computer systems analysts work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Computer systems design and related services23%
- Finance and insurance13%
- Management of companies and enterprises10%
- Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals7%
- Information7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | 23% |
| Finance and insurance | 13% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 7% |
| Information | 7% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Speaking4.0
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Active Listening3.8
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Active Learning3.6
- Writing3.4
- Monitoring3.4
- Learning Strategies3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 4.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Active Learning | 3.6 |
| Writing | 3.4 |
| Monitoring | 3.4 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Systems Analysis3.8
- Systems Evaluation3.8
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6
- Complex Problem Solving3.4
- Programming3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Coordination3.1
- Troubleshooting3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Systems Analysis | 3.8 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.6 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 |
| Programming | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.1 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Application server software · in demand
- Business intelligence and data analysis software · in demand
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software · in demand
- Cloud-based management software · in demand
- Configuration management software · in demand
- Content workflow software · in demand
- Customer relationship management CRM software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base reporting software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Data mining software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a computer systems analyst?
Women make up 44.0% of computer systems analysts, close to their 47.1% share of all employed people.
21.8% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 41.2 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 44.0%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 41.2All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 21.8%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 569,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of computer systems analysts | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 44.0% | 47.1% |
| White | 62.8% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 15.0% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 19.9% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 10.7% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 21.8% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 5.4% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a computer systems analyst?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Computer Systems Analyst |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 3 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 2 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Investigative6.4
- Conventional5.9
- Realistic3.3
- Enterprising2.2
- Artistic2.0
- Social1.9
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Computer Systems Analyst
O*NET related occupations
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Management
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
$99,130median a year
Most earn $63K to $155K
−4.1%Bachelor's
More computer and mathematical careers
Median annual pay, with computer systems analysts highlighted
- Software Developer$135,980
- Actuary$130,000
- Data Scientist$120,230
- Business Intelligence Analyst$120,230
- Computer Systems Analyst$105,850
- Database Administrator$104,620
- Web Designer$104,000
- Computer Programmer$100,390
- Web Developer$92,650
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $135,980 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Data Scientist | $120,230 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $120,230 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $105,850 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 |
| Web Designer | $104,000 |
| Computer Programmer | $100,390 |
| Web Developer | $92,650 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within computer systems analyst
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Computer Systems Analyst appears on
Questions
Computer Systems Analyst: frequently asked questions
How much do computer systems analysts make?
Computer Systems Analysts earn a median of $105,850 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 108% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $50.89/hr. The middle half earn between $82,860 and $134,110. The top 10% earn $167,710 or more.
How much do computer systems analysts make an hour?
The median hourly wage for computer systems analysts is $50.89 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $105,850 annual median works out to about $8,820 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a computer systems analyst?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of computer systems analysts earn less than $67,340 a year and the bottom quarter less than $82,860 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do computer systems analysts make $100k?
Yes, more often than not. The median is $105,850, so more than half of computer systems analysts earn over $100,000 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). In 29 states the median itself is above $100,000: Rhode Island ($134,630), Washington ($129,410), Massachusetts ($128,240), Colorado ($127,750), and 25 more.
Which states pay computer systems analysts the most?
The highest state medians for Computer Systems Analysts are Rhode Island ($134,630), Washington ($129,410), Massachusetts ($128,240) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of computer systems analyst earns the most?
BLS does not split computer systems analysts' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $167,710, against a median of $105,850 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Rhode Island ($134,630), Washington ($129,410), Massachusetts ($128,240). BLS also counts 2 specialty careers inside this occupation (ERP consultant, salesforce administrator), which share its federal pay figures.
Do you need a degree to become a computer systems analyst?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Computer Systems Analysts, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 50.7% hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree.
How long does it take to become a computer systems analyst?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for computer systems analysts is a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes the work as needing considerable preparation.
Is computer systems analyst a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 7.9% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 32,900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a computer systems analyst do?
Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design improvements to them. A core O*NET task: troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Application server software, Business intelligence and data analysis software.
Do computer systems analysts work 40 hours a week?
Most work more than 40. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 56% of computer systems analysts usually work more than 40 hours a week, 44% work exactly 40 and 0% work fewer. 100% say their schedule is regular and 0% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a computer systems analyst?
O*NET scores Computer Systems Analysts highest on the Investigative, Conventional and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISTJ, INTJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of computer systems analysts are women?
Women make up 44.0% of computer systems analysts, close to their 47.1% share of all employed people. 21.8% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 41.2 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.