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The differences between computer systems engineers and systems 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 systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer systems engineer has an average salary of $76,534, which is higher than the $75,383 average annual salary of a systems analyst.
The top three skills for a computer systems engineer include computer system, python and C++. The most important skills for a systems analyst are customer service, project management, and troubleshoot.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $76,534 | $75,383 |
| Hourly rate | $36.80 | $36.24 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 149,045 | 141,289 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.
Computer systems engineers and systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $76,534 | $75,383 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $98,000 | Between $58,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer systems engineer and a systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| 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 systems analysts' demographics:
| Computer Systems Engineer | Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 14.4% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |