Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.
What the job is
- The work
- Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.
BLS
Computer Systems Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Work environment
- Most computer systems analysts work full time.
BLS
Computer Systems Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Students who like both technology and business, and who enjoy explaining technical issues to managers.
- Career cluster
- Digital Technology
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (computer systems analysts).
- Median pay
- $105,850 a year ($50.89 an hour)
BLS
Computer Systems Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 544,400
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +8%, which BLS calls "much faster than average"
BLS
Computer Systems Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +42,900 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- 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.
BLS
Computer Systems Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- In short
- Most systems analysts have a bachelor's degree, often in computer science or information systems; some firms hire business or liberal arts graduates with technical skills. Some employers prefer an MBA with an information systems concentration.
- License
- Not required
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Computer systems analyst: degree, business knowledge and moving up
See the roadmap
Route 1: Computer or information systems degree · Route 2: Business or liberal arts degree + technical skills · Route 3: MBA or master's → project manager → IT director
More careers in Digital Technology
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 20 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.