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The differences between systems support analysts and computer 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 systems support analyst, becoming a computer systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, which is higher than the $82,219 average annual salary of a systems support analyst.
The top three skills for a systems support analyst include troubleshoot, customer service and database. The most important skills for a computer systems analyst are computer system, database, and C++.
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $82,219 | $82,655 |
| Hourly rate | $39.53 | $39.74 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 161,168 | 118,439 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| 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 systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.
Systems support analysts and computer systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $82,219 | $82,655 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $114,000 | Between $60,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Virtu Financial | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Professional |
There are a few differences between a systems support analyst and a computer systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems support analysts' and computer systems analysts' demographics:
| Systems Support Analyst | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.4% Female, 29.6% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| 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, 10.9% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |