How to hire a computer analyst

How to hire a computer analyst, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer analyst hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer analyst job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer analyst
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a computer analyst do?

Post a computer analyst job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the computer analyst you need to hire. Certain computer analyst roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect computer analyst also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents computer analyst salaries for various positions.

   Type of Computer Analyst	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Analyst	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.	$27-47
   Technical System Analyst	Technical Systems Analysts are employees who are adept in information technology (IT). They work in the IT department, where they oversee the different networks and systems that exist in the company... Show more	$30-50
   Analyst Lead	The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials... Show more	$35-58

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Computer System
   • Troubleshoot
   • C++
   • Customer Service
   • Linux
   • Technical Support
   • Data Entry
   • Desk Support
   • Unix
   • OS
   • DOD
   • SQL Server
   • Mac
   • SharePoint

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and create custom DNS for customers.
   • Manage technology deployment of major projects implementing select solutions using ITIL practices.
   • Serve as systems and network administrator managing hundreds of distribute Linux computers across campuses.
   • Manage inventory of forensic hardware and software utilities of forensic laboratory as well as maintaining forensic workstations and laboratory LAN.
   • Support OS environment, mainframe environment and PC's.
   • Schedule jobs, write Unix and Linux shell scripts, develop standards.

   More computer analyst duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer analyst job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A computer analyst can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, computer analysts' average salary in florida is 33% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level computer analysts 42% less than senior-level computer analysts.
   • Certifications. A computer analyst with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a computer analyst's salary.

   Average computer analyst salary

   $75,852yearly

   $36.47 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer analyst salary

   $57,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average computer analyst salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$94,799	$46
   2	Washington	$93,957	$45
   3	New Jersey	$85,299	$41
   4	District of Columbia	$84,995	$41
   5	Connecticut	$83,986	$40
   6	New York	$81,817	$39
   7	Massachusetts	$81,699	$39
   8	Maryland	$78,914	$38
   9	Illinois	$77,978	$37
   10	North Carolina	$77,547	$37
   11	Indiana	$76,078	$37
   12	Missouri	$75,783	$36
   13	Alabama	$75,529	$36
   14	Michigan	$75,383	$36
   15	Georgia	$73,916	$36
   16	Colorado	$71,486	$34
   17	Ohio	$70,619	$34
   18	Texas	$67,361	$32
   19	Tennessee	$66,728	$32
   20	Louisiana	$66,347	$32

   Average computer analyst salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Citi	$126,762	$60.94	38
   2	Morgan Stanley	$103,655	$49.83	33
   3	Veeva Systems	$103,395	$49.71	1
   4	Oak Ridge National Laboratory	$98,773	$47.49	3
   5	CVS Health	$97,799	$47.02	124
   6	GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED	$96,083	$46.19	1
   7	Forest Laboratories	$94,131	$45.26
   8	Activision Blizzard	$92,803	$44.62
   9	Sandia National Labs	$92,441	$44.44	7
   10	Amdocs	$92,395	$44.42
   11	Caspio	$92,302	$44.38
   12	Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center	$89,757	$43.15	2
   13	IBM	$87,325	$41.98	152
   14	Northrop Grumman	$85,693	$41.20	64
   15	JDA Software Inc	$85,297	$41.01
   16	Keane	$85,279	$41.00
   17	Oracle	$84,620	$40.68	1,005
   18	Open Systems Technologies	$81,910	$39.38
   19	Tech Mahindra	$81,540	$39.20
   20	iGATE Global Solutions	$81,306	$39.09

4. Writing a computer analyst job description

   A good computer analyst job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a computer analyst job description:

   Computer analyst job description example

   Job Title
   Lab Computing Analyst
   Location(s)
   Thousand Oaks
   Business Title: Lab Computing Analyst
   Job Title: System Administrator
   
   Key Responsibilities:
   Implements, monitors, and provides technical support of customer laboratory IT environments, typically integrated with instrumentation Implements customer specified benchtop computing design and processes Administers and assures connectivity of customer's Windows based platform Conduct and maintain inventories of client systems Support of the operating system, desktop hardware and peripherals, instrument-controlled software, core desktop applications and imagining of computers Manage On-boarding, retirement and relocation of equipment Implements Windows based security, including but not limited to: user / group permissions, file / folder permissions, group policies, local security policies, etc.Analyzes, identifies, and implements enhancements, upgrades and/or solutions to improve the overall support of the desktop platform in a timely manner Ensures adherence to client's corporate policies through periodic reporting and compliance programs Acts as the technical support contact for instrument vendor Repairing and troubleshooting instrument related computers and escalating issues to the client infrastructure teams Provides technical support for new system validations and change management efforts Create and maintain a physical inventory of lab equipment, PC's, software and any other information specified by the client Submit weekly Engineer reports to the team lead by COB on the last business day of the week Acts as client Liaison for software/hardware related inquiries Participate in client team meetings Provides support across all PerkinElmer Enterprise practices as required Act as the technical expert to handle escalations and be a mentor to junior team members Provide back up to team leads as required
   
   Critical Skills:
   Excellent customer service skills complimented by an ability to listen to and interpret client requests.Ability to troubleshoot complex technology issues.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Ability to identify, track and complete tasks for multiple projects under prescribed timeframes.
   
   Basic Qualifications:
   Bachelor's Degree.5 years' experience in lab IT or regulated IT environment.
   
   Preferred Qualification:
   Experience in a validated environment a plus. Experience working in GxP, ISO, and FDA compliant facilities a plus
   
   Other Requirement:
   A proven self-motivational work ethic with the ability to work independently, manage time and schedule workload to meet deadlines and customer needs Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Detail oriented and able to follow written documentation for task execution Must be customer service orientated and believe in teamwork, collaboration, adaptability and InitiativeAbility to multitask and support various groups of users
   
   Benefits to working for PerkinElmer:
   Backed by an 80-year history rich in innovation, PerkinElmer is a long-time leader and pioneer in the scientific community. We hire talented, committed and driven people and strive to create a work environment that brings out the entrepreneur in all of us. Benefit packages include: Medical, Dental and Vision; Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health and Wellness Programs and Incentives; Employer Matching 401(k); Tuition Reimbursement; Professional Development; Maternity and Paternity Leave; Paid Holidays and Personal Time Off; Life and Disability Insurance; and Work/Life Balance.
   PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find computer analysts for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer analyst job on Zippia to find and recruit computer analyst candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit computer analysts, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   If your interviews with computer analyst applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer analyst

   Once you've decided on a perfect computer analyst candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new computer analyst. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a computer analyst?