Computer Systems Analysts
Also called: Applications Analyst, Applications Systems Analyst, Automatic Data Processing Planner (ADP Planner), Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Architect, Computer Consultant, Computer Equipment 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.
What computer systems analysts do
Typical 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.
Typical path into the job (BLS)
Computer Systems Analysts salary
The median annual wage for computer systems analysts is $105,850 (BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, national). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $67,340 and the highest 10 percent earn more than $167,710. The mean annual wage is $114,610.
The mean hourly wage of $55.00 is 7.6× the federal minimum wage of $7.25. State minimums are higher in most large states. Minimum wage by state →
How does your pay compare with people your age?
Your numbers are not sent or stored. The comparison uses this occupation's BLS wage percentiles, adjusted for age with BLS median weekly earnings by age group (Q3 2026).
Pay by percentile
Annual wage percentiles from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Percentiles are a good proxy for pay by experience.
Projected pay for Computer Systems Analysts (3, 5 and 10 years)est.
Today $105,850 → in 3 years $113,700 → in 5 years $119,300 → in 10 years $134,400 (10-year range $115,600–$156,000). The model assumes pay growth of +2.4% per year.
What drives the annual growth rate
Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →
Outlook score for Computer Systems Analysts
Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.
Will AI replace Computer Systems Analysts? AI replacement risk
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Labor demand for Computer Systems Analysts
Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.
The same job in Japan
| Computer Systems Analysts United States | ITコンサルタント Japan | DXプロデューサー Japan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median / average pay | $105,850 | ¥8.89M ≈ $56,537 | ¥8.89M ≈ $56,537 |
| Pay in 10 years (est.) | $134,400 | ¥10.43M | ¥10.43M |
| Outlook score | 56 | 48 | 46 |
| AI replacement risk | 76% High | 74% High | 74% High |
| Workers | 520K | — | — |
Matched by occupation (SOC code). Yen converted at 157.25 JPY/USD for reference; Japanese figures are averages, U.S. figures are medians, and the surveys define occupations differently.
Skills, education and requirements for Computer Systems Analysts
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Important abilities
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
How to become computer systems analysts
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Career path and how to earn more as computer systems analysts
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.