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The differences between computer systems analysts and data analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a computer systems analyst, becoming a data analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, which is higher than the $74,342 average annual salary of a data analyst.
The top three skills for a computer systems analyst include computer system, database and C++. The most important skills for a data analyst are data analysis, python, and power bi.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Data Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $74,342 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $35.74 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 167,520 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
Data analysts are responsible for interpreting the company's statistics and providing sound recommendations to the organization. They manage the organization's data sets, usually related to market performance, finance, or human resources. They are in charge of studying the available data, spotting trends, interpreting what the data and the trends mean, and recommending suggestions that will help the organization perform better. Their recommendations should also be relevant and backed up with strong analyses. Data analysts are expected to have a good grasp of the current market trends in the industry.
Computer systems analysts and data analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Data Analyst | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $74,342 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $53,000 And $103,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Richmond, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer systems analyst and a data analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Data Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and data analysts' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Data Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 50.2% Female, 49.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 12% |