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The differences between computer system specialists and computer systems analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer system specialist, becoming a computer systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, which is higher than the $71,716 average annual salary of a computer system specialist.
The top three skills for a computer system specialist include computer system, troubleshoot and CSV. The most important skills for a computer systems analyst are computer system, database, and C++.
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $71,716 | $82,655 |
| Hourly rate | $34.48 | $39.74 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 89,673 | 118,439 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Computer system specialists are responsible for providing technical guidance in developing and troubleshooting a company's computer systems. They adjust the software to provide the database needs of every department in the company. These specialists manage the intranet and internet websites the network users can access and test for system issues to resolve. They serve as lead workers that provide supervision and training over clerical and technical staff on how the system functions. Their duties also include gathering feedback from users to update the system to provide for their needs.
A computer systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.
Computer system specialists and computer systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $71,716 | $82,655 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $102,000 | Between $60,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer system specialist and a computer systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer system specialists' and computer systems analysts' demographics:
| Computer System Specialist | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.6% Female, 18.4% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |