Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between computer systems analysts and support 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 support analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, which is higher than the $75,989 average annual salary of a support analyst.
The top three skills for a computer systems analyst include computer system, database and C++. The most important skills for a support analyst are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Support Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $75,989 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $36.53 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 107,039 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
The role of support analysts is to resolve problems with hardware, computer programs, and peripherals. They may focus on a particular aspect of the information technology (IT) department or give technical support to end-users. They mainly detect issues with IT equipment and software and devise solutions to resolve these issues. Also, they are responsible for answering queries from users, preparing service records, and handling escalations. Support analysts also support the company's IT operations and best practices by creating and distributing relevant IT documents.
Computer systems analysts and support analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Support Analyst | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $75,989 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $50,000 And $114,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Jersey City, NJ |
| 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 support analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Support Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and support analysts' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Support Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 63.1% Female, 36.9% |
| 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, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 12.9% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |