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What is a computer systems designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a computer systems designer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $35.44 an hour? That's $73,711 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreComputer Systems DesignerUS Average
Salary
5.8

Avg. Salary $73,711

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 10.87%

Black or African American 8.91%

Hispanic or Latino 12.60%

Unknown 5.09%

White 62.23%

Gender

female 24.72%

male 75.28%

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
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Computer systems designer career paths

Key steps to become a computer systems designer

  1. Explore computer systems designer education requirements

    Most common computer systems designer degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.5 %

    Associate

    14.8 %

    Master's

    9.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific computer systems designer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    SQL Server38.07%
    Control Systems33.15%
    PC28.78%
  3. Complete relevant computer systems designer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer systems designers 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 designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer systems designer resumes.
  4. Research computer systems designer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
    • Install various PC hardware and software, and modify system configurations.
    • Space Command.Support include installing and configuring new PC's, printers and local area network.
    • Co-Design industry leading client/server customer service environment utilizing Hewlett Packard risc-base technologies and UNIX operating system.
  5. Apply for computer systems designer jobs

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

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

How did you land your first computer systems designer job

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Average computer systems designer salary

The average computer systems designer salary in the United States is $73,711 per year or $35 per hour. Computer systems designer salaries range between $55,000 and $98,000 per year.

Average computer systems designer salary
$73,711 Yearly
$35.44 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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