Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 538,800 people employed as computer systems analysts in the United States. The median annual salary is $99,270. Entry level employees earn approximately $60,680 per year and senior employees earn approximately $158,010 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
• Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
• Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
• Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
• Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
• Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
• Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
• Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
• Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
• Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
• Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
• Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
• Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
• Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
• Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
• Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
• Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
• Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
• Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
• Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
• Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.
• Recommend new equipment or software packages.

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