What does a computer systems analyst do?

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 analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer systems analyst resumes:
- Manage inventory of forensic hardware and software utilities of forensic laboratory as well as maintaining forensic workstations and laboratory LAN.
- Design and manage wireless infrastructure using WPA2 encryption and a centralize authentication using SSL and a user base lightweight directory database.
- Work in a team environment coordinating projects and tasks between Unix desktop support technicians and Unix image lab personnel.
- Used skills in .Net, Java, Php, MySQL, javascript and Ajax.
- Maintain and administrate email servers on Linux platforms.
- Create custom PHP application and underlying RPG ILE programs.
- Develop presentation layer using HTML, CSS and JSP and struts.
- Maintain hardware inventory of all PCs, servers and other relevant equipment.
- Analyze, design and implement the JAVA GUI base on clients' requirement.
- Help to connect printers, configure wireless networks, and connecting to a VPN.
- Provide VPN and remote assistance and support to end users using RSA SecurID tokens.
- Operate Linux base computers to perform system restarts, and move files to other locations.
- Involve the conversion of the physical server farm to a VMware base system, including high availability.
- Update web page using HTML, develop PERL programs as needed for users on NetApp file servers.
- Create SQL software queries, tables and other pertinent information to maintain large databases and print reports.
Computer systems analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Computer Systems Analysts are proficient in Computer System, Database, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Systems Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Computer System, 18%
Monitor network to ensure network availability Perform necessary system maintenance Maintain logs related to network functions Train people in computer system use
- Database, 5%
Performed data warehousing, database backup/recovery, installation, system configuration, system administrative tasks and support for application database software.
- C++, 5%
Maintained C++ and mainframe Natural and SAS systems.
- C #, 5%
Developed Online CSV Protocol system using ASP.NET, C #, SQL and Web Services.
- DOD, 4%
Installed Common Access Card readers and software to be compatible with utilizing Public Key Infrastructure to meet DoD mandates.
- Linux, 4%
Played an integral role in the conversion of the AG Holley VA Vista system from Linux to Windows 2003 Server.
"computer system," "database," and "c++" are among the most common skills that computer systems analysts use at work. You can find even more computer systems analyst responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. One of the key soft skills for a computer systems analyst to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what computer systems analysts do because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." Additionally, a computer systems analyst resume shows how computer systems analysts use creativity: "performed diagnostics and troubleshooting of computer system issues, documented help desk tickets/resolutions, and maintained equipment inventory lists. "
Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer systems analyst duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." According to a computer systems analyst resume, here's how computer systems analysts can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "analyzed, designed and implemented an important java component as a company key technology for x-ray image process. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for computer systems analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how computer systems analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer systems analyst: "supervised and performed communications-computer systems (c-cs) operations and executed associated information systems support programs. ".
The three companies that hire the most computer systems analysts are:
- Northrop Grumman11 computer systems analysts jobs
- City of Cincinnati8 computer systems analysts jobs
- Matrix-IFS
8 computer systems analysts jobs
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Computer systems analyst vs. Systems developer
A Systems Developer is responsible for designing and creating software applications and server programs to support business requirements and client specifications. System Developers run multiple diagnostic tests to the systems to ensure performance and stability and revise scripts for optimization as needed. They also evaluate and improve existing networks, develop infrastructure, and set configuration. A Systems Developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to identify network structures and operating systems.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between computer systems analysts and systems developer. For instance, computer systems analyst responsibilities require skills such as "computer system," "database," "c #," and "dod." Whereas a systems developer is skilled in "python," "javascript," "web application," and "project management." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Systems developers earn the highest salaries when working in the hospitality industry, with an average yearly salary of $106,498. On the other hand, computer systems analysts are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $92,819.The education levels that systems developers earn slightly differ from computer systems analysts. In particular, systems developers are 4.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a computer systems analyst. Additionally, they're 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer systems analyst vs. Technical analyst
A technical analyst is responsible for analyzing technical information and aligning it to the business strategies and procedures in meeting project goals. Technical analysts monitor technical system errors and provide immediate resolutions to ensure an efficient and smooth flow of operations. They comply with the business requirements and clients' specifications to facilitate the technical team with the best techniques to get the job done. A technical analyst should have excellent critical-thinking and communication skills, as well as having a broad knowledge of the technology industry and disciplines.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer systems analyst responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "computer system," "database," "c++," and "dod." Meanwhile, a technical analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "digital transformation," "customer service," "strong analytical," and "desktop." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Technical analysts may earn a lower salary than computer systems analysts, but technical analysts earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $88,568. On the other hand, computer systems analysts receive higher pay in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $92,819.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Technical analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than computer systems analysts. In fact, they're 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer systems analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.
Computer systems analyst vs. Systems engineer
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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer systems analyst resumes include skills like "computer system," "computer programs," "visualization," and "computer equipment," whereas a systems engineer is more likely to list skills in "python," "matlab," "project management," and "powershell. "
Systems engineers make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $96,218. On the other hand, computer systems analysts are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $92,819.Most systems engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to computer systems analysts. For example, they're 1.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer systems analyst vs. Systems support
A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables. They also assist the technology team in designing backup systems and improve existing networks according to business requirements and specifications. They write resolution reports for reference to prevent the reoccurrence of system malfunction and inconsistencies.
Types of computer systems analyst
Updated January 8, 2025











