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The differences between computer systems administrators 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 systems administrator, 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 $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 systems analyst are computer system, database, and C++.
| Computer Systems Administrator | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $72,247 | $82,655 |
| Hourly rate | $34.73 | $39.74 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 136,907 | 118,439 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
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 systems administrators and computer systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Administrator | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $72,247 | $82,655 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $97,000 | Between $60,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer systems administrator and a computer systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Administrator | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer systems administrators' and computer systems analysts' demographics:
| Computer Systems Administrator | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| 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, 10.9% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |