How To Become A Computer Systems Consultant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computer systems consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Sagar Raina D.Sc.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a computer systems consultant. For example, did you know that they make an average of $43.31 an hour? That's $90,075 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 9% and produce 56,000 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a computer systems consultant?

Sagar Raina D.Sc.

Associate Professor of Information Technology, Mount St Mary's University

The transition from the academic world to the industry is a significant milestone and may be overwhelming for the beginners. The first and foremost advice I would give is to be “patient”, be “positive” and be “open to learning”. The field of Information Systems consists of the three important components – people, processes, and technology. The graduates beginning their careers should be able to understand and learn about the “people” working in the organization, the “processes” of the organization and the “technology” used by the organization. To accomplish this, work hard, be open to ask questions to the senior colleagues and keep yourself informed about the new trends in Information Systems sector.

ScoreComputer Systems ConsultantUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $90,075

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 14.45%

Black or African American 10.57%

Hispanic or Latino 11.28%

Unknown 5.02%

White 58.48%

Gender

female 14.15%

male 85.85%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a computer systems consultant

Explore computer systems consultant education requirements

Most common computer systems consultant degrees

Bachelor's

68.5 %

Associate

14.5 %

Master's

10.6 %

Start to develop specific computer systems consultant skills

Skills	Percentages
Sops	15.70%
Computer System Validation	12.75%
GxP	12.73%
IQ/OQ/PQ	12.03%
Lims	5.58%

Complete relevant computer systems consultant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer systems consultants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer systems consultant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer systems consultant resumes.

Research computer systems consultant duties and responsibilities

Support multiple external client SMS manage networks and standalone PCs.
Manage business requirements gathering for functionality development and interface definition from the legacy systems to the CRM and SA management applications.
Used SQL SMS to maintain and monitor multi-database applications.
Develop and implement SQL databases & critical data backup scheme.

Prepare your computer systems consultant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer systems consultant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer systems consultant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable computer systems consultant resume templates

Build a professional computer systems consultant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer systems consultant resume.

Apply for computer systems consultant jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a computer systems consultant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average computer systems consultant salary

The average computer systems consultant salary in the United States is $90,075 per year or $43 per hour. Computer systems consultant salaries range between $62,000 and $129,000 per year.

Average computer systems consultant salary

$90,075 Yearly

$43.31 hourly

What is a computer systems consultant and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a computer systems consultant?

Computer systems consultant career paths

Key steps to become a computer systems consultant

Explore computer systems consultant education requirements

Most common computer systems consultant degrees

Start to develop specific computer systems consultant skills

Complete relevant computer systems consultant training and internships

Research computer systems consultant duties and responsibilities

Prepare your computer systems consultant resume

Choose from 10+ customizable computer systems consultant resume templates

Apply for computer systems consultant jobs

How did you land your first computer systems consultant job

Average computer systems consultant salary

How do computer systems consultants rate their job?