Computer systems administrator vs computer analyst

The differences between computer systems administrators and computer 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 systems administrator, becoming a computer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer analyst has an average salary of $75,852, which is higher than the $72,247 average annual salary of a computer systems administrator.

The top three skills for a computer systems administrator include computer system, linux and customer service. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.

Computer systems administrator vs computer analyst overview

	Computer Systems Administrator	Computer Analyst
Yearly salary	$72,247	$75,852
Hourly rate	$34.73	$36.47
Growth rate	5%	9%
Number of jobs	136,907	75,369
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	6

What does a computer systems administrator do?

Computer systems administrators are responsible for organizing and installing a company's computer system, including the WAN, LAN, and other data for communication. They gather information from the users to determine where to improve and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These administrators ensure that the system they design for a company meets the needs of their users. They maintain the security of their systems and provide technical support for projects. They mainly administer a company's network, database, and security systems.

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 systems administrator vs computer analyst salary

Computer systems administrators and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Computer Systems Administrator	Computer Analyst
Average salary	$72,247	$75,852
Salary range	Between $53,000 And $97,000	Between $57,000 And $99,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Washington
Best paying company	Meta	Citi
Best paying industry	Technology	Technology

Differences between computer systems administrator and computer analyst education

There are a few differences between a computer systems administrator and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:

	Computer Systems Administrator	Computer Analyst
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 52%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Computer Science	Computer Science
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Computer systems administrator vs computer analyst demographics

Here are the differences between computer systems administrators' and computer analysts' demographics:

	Computer Systems Administrator	Computer Analyst
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3%	Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	9%	8%

Differences between computer systems administrator and computer analyst duties and responsibilities

Computer systems administrator example responsibilities.

Create SNP pipeline script in Perl to automate SNP prediction.
Manage static IP address reservations in the corporate and DHCP in the production network.
Manage a mix facility of IBM and DEC mainframe computers, VAX super-mini computers and PDP-11 mini computers.
Design, install, configure and manage Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop environment.
Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
Convert manual offices to computerize environment using standalone PCs and UNIX systems.

Computer analyst example 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.

Computer systems administrator vs computer analyst skills

Common computer systems administrator skills

Computer System, 12%
Linux, 8%
Customer Service, 5%
Troubleshoot, 5%
DOD, 4%
User Accounts, 3%

Common computer analyst skills

Computer System, 8%
Troubleshoot, 7%
C++, 6%
Customer Service, 6%
Linux, 5%
Technical Support, 5%

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Computer Systems Administrator vs Computer Analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

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