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What is a systems specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.,
Oriehi Destiny Anyaiwe
introduction image

A systems specialist designs, implements, and maintains computer systems for organizations. They work with hardware, software, and networks to ensure proper integration and function. Systems specialists analyze existing systems to identify weaknesses and recommend improvements. They also provide technical support and troubleshoot issues that arise. In addition, they may train employees to use the system properly. Overall, a systems specialist ensures the efficacy and operations of an organization’s systems.

What general advice would you give to a systems specialist?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

Look for a job that you would enjoy doing, even if it takes some time to find such a position. Internships are great to explore various options.
ScoreSystems SpecialistUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $86,020

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 10.68%

Black or African American 11.54%

Hispanic or Latino 16.41%

Unknown 5.39%

White 55.56%

Gender

female 25.76%

male 74.24%

Age - 41
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 - 41
Stress level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a systems specialist?

Pros

  • High demand for skilled professionals in the field

  • Potential for high salary and job security

  • Opportunity for career growth and advancement

  • Possibility of remote work and flexible schedules

  • Continuous learning and professional development opportunities

Cons

  • High level of stress due to the critical nature of the work

  • Long hours and irregular schedules may be required

  • Potential for working on-call or being available outside of regular hours

  • Can be physically demanding due to prolonged computer use

  • May require extensive travel to client sites

Systems specialist career paths

Key steps to become a systems specialist

  1. Explore systems specialist education requirements

    Most common systems specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    53.6 %

    Associate

    24.5 %

    Master's

    9.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service9.53%
    Veterans8.38%
    Troubleshoot6.68%
    Technical Support6.42%
    Patients4.72%
  3. Complete relevant systems specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems specialists 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 systems specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems specialist resumes.
  4. Gain additional systems specialist certifications

    Systems specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific systems specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for systems specialists include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research systems specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the coordination and resolution of mainframe job failures.
    • Complete VMWARE infrastructure course lead by certify VMWARE trainer, which cover all aspects of VMWARE installation and support.
    • Manage the implementation, installation and maintenance of EMR software and hardware systems for mid-size home health care organization.
    • Manage the infrastructure implementation and statewide roll-out for MIIS, including prioritization of electronic health record (EHR) provider sites.
  6. Prepare your systems specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems specialist 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 systems specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable systems specialist resume templates

    Build a professional systems specialist 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 systems specialist resume.
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  7. Apply for systems specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a systems specialist 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 systems specialist job

Zippi

Are you a systems specialist?

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Average systems specialist salary

The average systems specialist salary in the United States is $86,020 per year or $41 per hour. Systems specialist salaries range between $61,000 and $120,000 per year.

Average systems specialist salary
$86,020 Yearly
$41.36 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do systems specialists rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

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1 star

Systems specialist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology

Cons

I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Cons

There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers

Pros

Working with The people


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

I decided to go to technical support because I've been fascinated by technology all my life and I love working with the people as well. I want to use my technical know-how to solve directly the problems that customers have. I want to be the person who makes life easier and more enjoyable for people who have had a problem. This is what I like most as a technical Support.

Cons

I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy


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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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