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The differences between computer systems analysts and systems engineers 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 engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a systems engineer has an average salary of $82,834, which is higher than the $82,655 average annual salary of a computer systems analyst.
The top three skills for a computer systems analyst include computer system, database and C++. The most important skills for a systems engineer are python, linux, and C++.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $82,834 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $39.82 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 145,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| 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 engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Computer systems analysts and systems engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Engineer | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $82,834 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a computer systems analyst and a systems engineer in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and systems engineers' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Systems Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 86.1% Female, 13.9% |
| 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, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |