Occupation · SOC 15-1211
Computer Systems Analysts
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
$103,790
$63,160–$166,030
Projected growth
+8.7%
Faster than average
Annual openings
4,550
per year
Employed (US)
497,800
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,999 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingReading ComprehensionSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationCritical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageMathematicsAdministration and Management
Technology & tools
Word processing softwareAccess softwareRequirements analysis and system architecture softwareInternet directory services softwareDevelopment environment software
Representative 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.Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.Recommend new equipment or software packages.Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.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 programrs 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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic system malfunctions — identify and escalate following documented troubleshooting protocols under direct supervisor guidance in a corporate IT environment.User support requests — respond to and log computer-related problems such as program errors using a help-desk ticketing system under close oversight.Computer programs and systems — assist with testing and installation tasks by executing predefined test scripts under the direction of a senior analyst.Business data entry and retrieval — use standard office and access software to support inventory or cost-tracking tasks in a structured operational setting.System compatibility requirements — gather and document basic information about existing computer systems to assist with integration assessments.Object-oriented programming concepts — apply foundational syntax and logic in guided coding exercises using a supervised development environment.Structured analysis techniques — collect and organize user requirements using templates and checklists under the direction of a lead systems analyst.Management communication — prepare meeting notes and brief summaries of system discussions to support agreement on basic system principles.Word processing and document management software — produce clearly formatted technical documentation following departmental standards with supervisor review.Oral communication — listen actively and ask clarifying questions when receiving instructions or user problem reports in a team-based office setting.
developing
Program and system malfunctions — diagnose and resolve common failures using established troubleshooting procedures with minimal oversight in a business IT environment.Staff and end-user assistance — provide routine technical support and guidance for computer-related problems, adapting explanations to varying user skill levels.System monitoring and maintenance — coordinate scheduled testing and update installations for computer programs across departmental systems with reduced supervision.Business problem analysis — apply spreadsheet and database tools to develop basic cost analysis or inventory control solutions for familiar operational scenarios.Cross-system integration — link departmental computer systems by configuring compatible data-sharing settings following established integration guidelines.Client-server and web applications — develop and maintain functional application components using object-oriented languages and standard web platform development software.Data modeling and requirements documentation — conduct structured interviews and produce data flow diagrams to capture system requirements for mid-complexity projects.Management consultation — present system design options and trade-offs to supervisors, supporting agreement on principles through clearly written proposals.Requirements analysis software — use architecture and analysis tools to validate that proposed solutions align with documented business and technical requirements.Time and task coordination — manage personal workload across concurrent system projects, meeting deadlines through proactive scheduling and progress tracking.
proficient
Complex system malfunctions — independently diagnose and restore functioning for multi-component failures across integrated business systems in enterprise environments.Technical problem resolution — lead user support sessions for intricate program issues, applying judgment to determine root causes and implement lasting solutions.Full-cycle system testing — design and execute comprehensive test plans, monitor system performance post-deployment, and drive corrective action without oversight.Integrated business systems — analyze production, inventory, and cost workflows end-to-end and design computer-based solutions that address non-routine organizational needs.Enterprise system compatibility — evaluate and redesign inter-system architectures to maximize information sharing and reduce redundancy across an organization.Multimedia and Internet technology — architect and implement web-based and multimedia application solutions using advanced development environments and frameworks.Systems analysis and design — apply structured analysis, information engineering, and data modeling techniques autonomously to plan and deliver complex IT systems.Executive alignment — consult independently with senior management to define system principles, reconcile competing priorities, and secure stakeholder approval.Critical evaluation of technology — assess emerging tools, platforms, and approaches against organizational requirements and recommend adoption strategies with justified rationale.Technical writing — produce comprehensive system specifications, user documentation, and analytical reports that serve as authoritative references for project teams.
advanced
Organizational systems strategy — set the long-range direction for enterprise computer systems architecture, aligning technology investments with business objectives at the executive level.Cross-functional problem-solving leadership — lead multi-team resolution of critical system failures, establishing incident management protocols that reduce future downtime across the organization.Systems analysis methodology — define and institutionalize structured analysis, data modeling, and information-engineering standards adopted organization-wide by analysts at all levels.Enterprise integration governance — oversee the coordination and compatibility of all computer systems across an organization, establishing policies that enable seamless information sharing.Workforce development — mentor and coach junior and mid-level analysts, designing training curricula and growth pathways that build organizational analytical capability.Innovation and technology adoption — evaluate and champion transformative technologies such as cloud platforms or AI-assisted analytics, driving enterprise-scale modernization initiatives.Management partnership — advise C-suite and department heads on system principles and investment decisions, translating complex technical trade-offs into clear strategic guidance.Requirements governance — establish organization-wide standards for requirements analysis and architecture documentation, ensuring consistency and quality across all systems projects.Performance and quality oversight — design monitoring frameworks and evaluation criteria that measure system effectiveness against business outcomes, driving continuous improvement programs.Organizational change leadership — lead the human and process dimensions of large-scale system transitions, managing stakeholder communication and adoption strategies across the enterprise.
Also known as
292 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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