What does a computer analyst do?
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
Computer analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer analyst resumes:
- 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.
- Produce HTML documentation and file conversions.
- Deploy, maintain and support VMware ESX server environments.
- Perform network design including cross platform OS file and printer sharing.
- Back up file systems to tape, using script dump utility for UNIX.
- Web designing and maintenance using HTML, CSS, PHP and MYSQL database manipulation.
- Provide 1st level phone support for desktop, remote access, and POS issues.
- Help create and deploy hardware, software, and security desktop and laptop standards.
- Modify coding and testing of an implementation of propose DOD communications protocols for compliance to the standards.
- Implement and migrate 25 stand-alone servers to a virtual environment using VMware then support and maintain after migration.
Computer analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Computer Analysts are proficient in Computer System, Troubleshoot, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Computer System, 8%
Conducted end-user interface to determine needs for new and existing computer systems in various department divisions.
- Troubleshoot, 7%
Monitor and troubleshoot NT Servers, UNIX Systems and AS 400 Systems through daily, weekly and monthly summary back-ups.
- C++, 6%
Designed real time C++ applications that controlled and monitored instrumentation, magnet control, and power supplies.
- Customer Service, 6%
Provide desktop support for myriad customers within the National Cancer Institute while providing incredible customer service and minimizing downtime.
- Linux, 5%
Implemented Linux and Windows license servers' quarterly maintenance policy to ensure all security patches were completed to reduce unexpected outages.
- Technical Support, 5%
Provided technical support for departmental servers and desktop hardware components and software applications.
"computer system," "troubleshoot," and "c++" are among the most common skills that computer analysts use at work. You can find even more computer analyst responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. The most essential soft skill for a computer analyst to carry out their responsibilities is creativity. This skill is important for the role because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." Additionally, a computer analyst resume shows how their duties depend on creativity: "perform program initiation through data entry and control for improved inventory control and tracking system. "
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer analyst duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." According to a computer analyst resume, here's how computer analysts can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "provide customer support to client inquires relating to software usage and analytical explanation. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for computer analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how computer analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer analyst: "maintain critical communications with national level agencies through management of communications-computer systems hardware, software and communications circuits. ".
The three companies that hire the most computer analysts are:
- Novant Health16 computer analysts jobs
- ACS Solutions7 computer analysts jobs
- Zifo RnD Solutions4 computer analysts jobs
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Compare different computer analysts
Computer analyst vs. 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. They manage the technical systems and ensure that these systems are working properly at all times. They generate reports related to the networks and systems. They then study and analyze these reports to identify existing problems or anticipate challenges that may come their way. These reports help them craft solutions to problems and invest in infrastructure that will address challenges.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computer analyst responsibilities require skills like "c++," "customer service," "data entry," and "dod." Meanwhile a typical technical system analyst has skills in areas such as "project management," "san," "data analysis," and "crm." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Technical system analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $94,207. On the other hand, computer analysts are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $81,179.technical system analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than computer analysts. In fact, technical system analysts are 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer analyst vs. 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. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer analyst resumes. While computer analyst responsibilities can utilize skills like "computer system," "c++," "technical support," and "desk support," analyst leads use skills like "analytics," "data analysis," "project management," and "excellent interpersonal."
Analyst leads earn a higher average salary than computer analysts. But analyst leads earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $110,488. Additionally, computer analysts earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $81,179 annually.In general, analyst leads achieve higher levels of education than computer analysts. They're 9.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Babak Beheshti Ph.D.
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Computer analyst vs. Computer support technician
A computer support technician is responsible for diagnosing and resolving computer and network issues, identifying the source of malfunctions, and improving infrastructure to avoid downtimes and operational delays. Computer support technicians manage the efficiency of all equipment and peripherals for the computers, assist in installing components, and keeping adequate resources or alternatives for defective items. They also recommend minimal costs technology materials and create troubleshooting manuals for reference, ensuring that the network processes adhere to internal guidelines and regulations.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, computer analysts are more likely to have skills like "troubleshoot," "c++," "data entry," and "dod." But a computer support technician is more likely to have skills like "computer support," "software installation," "laptop computers," and "workstations."
Computer support technicians earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $46,827. Computer analysts earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $81,179.When it comes to education, computer support technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to computer analysts. In fact, they're 4.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer analyst vs. Information technology analyst
An information technology analyst is responsible for identifying business opportunities by creating and designing technology systems that would help business operations perform efficiently and accurately. Information technology analysts manage systems maintenance, upgrade and install updates for better optimization, and perform feature revisions and adjustments based on the end-user experience. They analyze client and business specifications and research a multiple system approach to generate technology solutions. An information technology analyst must have excellent analytical skills, as well as broad knowledge of the technology industry.
Types of computer analyst
Updated January 8, 2025
