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The differences between systems support analysts 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 systems support analyst, becoming a computer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a systems support analyst has an average salary of $82,219, which is higher than the $75,852 average annual salary of a computer analyst.
The top three skills for a systems support analyst include troubleshoot, customer service and database. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $82,219 | $75,852 |
| Hourly rate | $39.53 | $36.47 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 161,168 | 75,369 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A systems support analyst is responsible for supporting the operations of the technology department of an organization, resolving network issues, and maintaining the safety and security of the system database. Systems support analysts must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, identifying system process improvements, upgrading system infrastructure, and assisting end-users with navigation. They also create resolution reports for reference, including recommendations to prevent future inconsistencies and glitches. A systems support analyst conducts regular maintenance checks on the technology servers and immediately performs troubleshooting as needed for optimization.
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.
Systems support analysts and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $82,219 | $75,852 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $114,000 | Between $57,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Virtu Financial | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems support analyst and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems support analysts' and computer analysts' demographics:
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.4% Female, 29.6% | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 12.5% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 11% | 8% |