Become A Computer Analyst
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Computer Analyst
- Interacting With Computers
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
$65,000
Average Salary
What Does A Computer Analyst Do
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.
DutiesComputer systems analysts typically do the following:
- Consult with managers to determine the role of IT systems in an organization
- Research emerging technologies to decide if installing them can increase the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness
- Prepare an analysis of costs and benefits so that management can decide if IT systems and computing infrastructure upgrades are financially worthwhile
- Devise ways to add new functionality to existing computer systems
- Design and implement new systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software
- Oversee the installation and configuration of new systems to customize them for the organization
- Conduct testing to ensure that the systems work as expected
- Train the systems’ end users and write instruction manuals
Computer systems analysts use a variety of techniques such as data modeling to design computer systems. Data modeling allows analysts to view the processes and data flows even before programs have been written.
Once programs have been written, analysts conduct in-depth tests and analyze information and trends in the data to increase a system’s performance and efficiency.
Analysts calculate requirements for how much memory and speed the computer system needs. They prepare flowcharts or other kinds of diagrams for programmers or engineers to use when building the system. Analysts also work with these people to solve problems that arise after the initial system is set up. Most analysts do some programming in the course of their work.
Most computer systems analysts specialize in certain types of computer systems that are specific to the organization they work with. For example, an analyst might work predominantly with financial computer systems or engineering computer systems.
Systems analysts help other IT team members understand how computer systems can best serve an organization by working closely with the organization’s business leaders.
In some cases, analysts who supervise the initial installation or upgrade of IT systems from start to finish may be called IT project managers. They monitor a project’s progress to ensure that deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met. IT project managers who plan and direct an organization’s IT department or IT policies are included in the profile on computer and information systems managers.
Many computer systems analysts are general-purpose analysts who develop new systems or fine-tune existing ones; however, there are some specialized systems analysts. The following are examples of types of computer systems analysts:
Systems designers or systems architects specialize in helping organizations choose specific types of hardware and software systems. They translate the long-term business goals of an organization into technical solutions. Analysts develop a plan for the computer systems that will be able to reach those goals. They work with management to ensure that systems and the IT infrastructure are set up to best serve the organization’s mission.
Software quality assurance (QA) analysts do in-depth testing and diagnose problems of the systems they design in order to make sure that critical requirements are met. They also write reports to management recommending ways to improve the systems.
Programmer analysts design and update their system’s software and create applications tailored to their organization’s needs. They do more coding and debugging than other types of analysts, although they still work extensively with management and business analysts to determine what business needs the applications are meant to address. Other occupations that do programming are computer programmers and software developers.
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How To Become A Computer Analyst
A bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire analysts with business or liberal arts degrees who have skills in information technology or computer programming.
EducationMost computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Because these analysts also are heavily involved in the business side of a company, it may be helpful to take business courses or major in management information systems.
Some employers prefer applicants who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems. For more technically complex jobs, a master’s degree in computer science may be more appropriate.
Although many computer systems analysts have technical degrees, such a degree is not always a requirement. Many analysts have liberal arts degrees and have gained programming or technical expertise elsewhere.
Many systems analysts continue to take classes throughout their careers so they can learn about new and innovative technologies. Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continual study is necessary to remain competitive.
Systems analysts must understand the business field they are working in. For example, a hospital may want an analyst with a thorough understanding of health plans and programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, and an analyst working for a bank may need to understand finance. Having knowledge of their industry helps systems analysts communicate with managers to determine the role of the information technology (IT) systems in an organization.
AdvancementWith experience, systems analysts can advance to project manager and lead a team of analysts. Some can eventually become IT directors or chief technology officers. For more information, see the profile on computer and information systems managers.
Important QualitiesAnalytical skills. Analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and be able to decide the best way to move forward on a project. They must also be able to figure out how changes may affect the project.
Communication skills. Analysts work as a go-between with management and the IT department and must be able to explain complex issues in a way that both will understand.
Creativity. Because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important.
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Computer Analyst jobs
Computer Analyst Career Paths
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Computer System Specialist 4.3 years
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Senior Computer Analyst 4.3 years
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Computer System Technician 3.9 years
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Senior Technical Support Specialist 3.9 years
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Computer Systems Analyst 3.8 years
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Senior Support Specialist 3.8 years
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Information Systems Specialist 3.8 years
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Computer Specialist 3.7 years
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Senior Desktop Analyst 3.6 years
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Computer Technical Specialist 3.5 years
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Senior Support Analyst 3.5 years
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Systems Support Specialist 3.4 years
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PC Systems Administrator 3.3 years
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Systems Support Analyst 3.2 years
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Computer Consultant 3.2 years
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Computer Support Specialist 3.1 years
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Systems Support 3.1 years
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Computer Support Analyst 3.1 years
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PC Support Analyst 3.0 years
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Computer Analyst 3.0 years
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Assistant Systems Administrator 2.7 years
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PC Analyst 2.7 years
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Client Support Analyst 2.7 years
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Computer Support Technician 2.5 years
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Support Analyst 2.3 years
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Junior Administrator 1.9 years
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Contractor/Technician 1.7 years
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Computer Technician 11.6%
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Computer Operator 9.4%
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Programmer Analyst 5.3%
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Systems Analyst 4.9%
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Programmer 4.4%
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Computer Programmer 4.4%
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Network Technician 4.3%
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Help Desk Analyst 4.0%
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Consultant 3.4%
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Technician 3.2%
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Systems Engineer 2.5%
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Analyst 2.5%
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Computer Consultant 2.5%
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Systems Administrator 11.8%
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Systems Analyst 6.2%
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Consultant 5.8%
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Project Manager 5.0%
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Network Engineer 5.0%
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Computer Technician 4.9%
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Systems Engineer 4.5%
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Network Technician 3.9%
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Help Desk Analyst 3.8%
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Programmer Analyst 3.8%
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Software Engineer 3.8%
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Business Analyst 3.7%
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Manager 3.6%
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Team Leader 3.5%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Computer Analyst
Top Careers After Computer Analyst
Computer Analyst Demographics
Gender
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Male
68.8% -
Female
28.7% -
Unknown
2.5%
Ethnicity
-
White
77.2% -
Hispanic or Latino
10.9% -
Asian
9.1% -
Unknown
1.9% -
Black or African American
0.8%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
51.3% -
French
10.3% -
Portuguese
6.4% -
Chinese
3.8% -
German
3.8% -
Italian
2.6% -
Japanese
2.6% -
Carrier
2.6% -
Hebrew
2.6% -
Mandarin
2.6% -
Dutch
1.3% -
Filipino
1.3% -
Albanian
1.3% -
Cantonese
1.3% -
Greek
1.3% -
Tagalog
1.3% -
Russian
1.3% -
Polish
1.3% -
Hawaiian
1.3%
Computer Analyst
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Computer Analyst Education
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University of Phoenix
16.8% -
University of Maryland - University College
8.7% -
Florida State University
6.5% -
Strayer University
6.0% -
University of Alabama
5.4% -
George Mason University
5.4% -
Auburn University
4.9% -
Louisiana State University and A&M College
4.9% -
Webster University
4.3% -
American InterContinental University
4.3% -
Villanova University
3.8% -
University of Maryland - College Park
3.8% -
Boston University
3.8% -
George Washington University
3.3% -
Walden University
3.3% -
Johns Hopkins University
3.3% -
Colorado Technical University
3.3% -
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
2.7% -
University of Houston
2.7% -
University of West Florida
2.7% -
Computer Science 19.7%
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Business 18.9%
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Criminal Justice 3.8%
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Information Systems 3.7%
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Computer Networking 3.7%
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Management 2.9%
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Computer Programming 2.6%
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Computer Engineering 2.4%
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Mathematics 2.3%
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Education 2.0%
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Accounting 2.0%
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Communication 1.9%
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Finance 1.7%
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Marketing 1.6%
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Bachelors
40.8% -
Other
19.9% -
Masters
18.8% -
Associate
12.2% -
Certificate
4.6% -
Doctorate
1.9% -
Diploma
1.7% -
License
0.1%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Computer Analyst
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Computer Analyst Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Analyst | Tech Mahindra (Americas), Inc. | Bothell, WA | Jun 11, 2015 | $128,807 |
| Computer Analyst | Eproinfosystems LLC | Mountain View, CA | Feb 12, 2016 | $115,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Jump Operations, LLC | Chicago, IL | Oct 05, 2016 | $110,000 |
| Lead Computer Analyst | Stamford Health System, Inc. (Stamford Hospital) | Stamford, CT | May 16, 2016 | $108,035 |
| Computational Analyst-Linguistics | Expert System USA, Inc. | Houston, TX | Oct 28, 2015 | $100,000 |
| Computational Analyst-Linguistics | Expert System Enterprise Corporation | Houston, TX | Jan 02, 2016 | $100,000 |
| BI Computer Analyst III | Right Click Systems LLC | Allentown, PA | Oct 12, 2015 | $99,200 |
| Computer Analyst | Addon Technologies Inc. | Livonia, MI | Jul 26, 2016 | $95,846 |
| Computer Analyst | Nap San Diego LLC | San Diego, CA | Nov 07, 2016 | $92,768 |
| Computer Sytems Analyst | Iitjobs, Inc. | Fremont, CA | Oct 27, 2016 | $90,792 |
| Computer Analyst | Tech Mahindra (Americas), Inc. | San Francisco, CA | Oct 09, 2016 | $90,355 |
| Computer Ststems Analyst | Xoriant Corporation | Santa Clara, CA | Jan 31, 2016 | $90,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Lotuz Inc. | Houston, TX | Aug 09, 2016 | $90,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Tech Mahindra (Americas), Inc. | Kettering, OH | Nov 19, 2015 | $90,000 |
| Computer Analyst | First TEK, Inc. | Bothell, WA | Nov 07, 2016 | $82,202 |
| Computer Analyst | First TEK, Inc. | WA | Nov 04, 2016 | $82,202 |
| Computer Analyst | Tech Mahindra (Americas), Inc. | Houston, TX | Aug 19, 2015 | $81,869 |
| Computer Analyst | I.F.L.Mia LLC | Miami, FL | Nov 12, 2015 | $80,974 |
| Computer Analyst | IBM India Private Limited | Piscataway, NJ | Jun 28, 2016 | $80,895 - $85,677 |
| Computational Analyst | Corvid Technologies LLC | Mooresville, NC | Aug 09, 2016 | $80,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Howard Hughes Medical Institute | Berkeley, CA | Sep 10, 2016 | $80,000 - $90,000 |
| Computer Programmar Analyst | Citiustech Inc. | Franklin, TN | Feb 29, 2016 | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| Computer Systmes Analyst | Technozant LLC | Austin, TX | Oct 24, 2016 | $68,723 |
| Computer Analyst Programmer 2 | Xtream It People Inc. | Albany, NY | Nov 20, 2015 | $68,640 |
| Computer Analyst | 3S Business Corporation | Houston, TX | Jan 10, 2016 | $68,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Software Transformations Inc. | Addison, TX | Jan 20, 2016 | $68,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Software Transformations Inc. | Plano, TX | Jan 20, 2016 | $68,000 |
| Computer Analyst | Value Consulting LLC | Sterling, VA | Aug 13, 2015 | $68,000 |
| Computer Analyst | VSYS. Inc. | Hoboken, NJ | Jun 07, 2016 | $68,000 |
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Top Skills for A Computer Analyst
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Top Computer Analyst Skills
- Computer Hardware
- Customer Service
- Data Entry
- Worked at the helpdesk, assisting clients with personal computer hardware issues as well as technical support for Microsoft Office products.
- Assisted and developed in the training of new customer service representatives
- Developed data entry modules, batch programs using stored procedures and triggers, and report generation.
- Assisted students with computer issues on their personal computers, including virus programs updates and installations.
- Performed remote desktop support using desktop support, Windows, Networking (voice & data), and messaging skills.
Top Computer Analyst Employers
Deemsys, Inc.
Elajika Inc.
Infotrellis, Inc.
Ezenius Inc.
TerpSys
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Computer Analyst Videos
CAREERS IN B.Sc COMPUTER SCIENCE - M.Sc,DEGREE,Job Opportunities,Salary Package