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The differences between computer systems engineers and computer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer systems engineer, becoming a computer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer systems engineer has an average salary of $76,534, which is higher than the $75,852 average annual salary of a computer analyst.
The top three skills for a computer systems engineer include computer system, python and C++. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $76,534 | $75,852 |
| Hourly rate | $36.80 | $36.47 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 149,045 | 75,369 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Computer systems engineers solve complex problems in network operations. These engineers test the system operations to check for a possible security breach and search for new processes to improve the entire system function. They work with other computer engineers to determine the details needed to design an integrated computer system. Their jobs require communications skills, critical thinking skills, and experience in systems evaluation to perform their duties well. They would also need to have a background in computers, technology and engineering, and computer design.
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
Computer systems engineers and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $76,534 | $75,852 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $98,000 | Between $57,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Washington |
| Best paying company | Citi | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer systems engineer and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer systems engineers' and computer analysts' demographics:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Computer Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 13.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |