Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between computer systems analysts and systems administrators 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 systems administrator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, which is higher than the $77,156 average annual salary of a systems administrator.
The top three skills for a computer systems analyst include computer system, database and C++. The most important skills for a systems administrator are linux, troubleshoot, and windows server.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $77,156 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $37.09 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 134,500 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| 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.
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
Computer systems analysts and systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Administrator | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $77,156 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $59,000 And $100,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer systems analyst and a systems administrator in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and systems administrators' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
| 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, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |