Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for systems support analysts in the United States
Systems support analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected systems support analyst job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 83,100 new jobs for systems support analysts are projected over the next decade.
Systems support analyst salaries have increased 9% for systems support analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 246,660 systems support analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 161,168 active systems support analyst job openings in the US.
The average systems support analyst salary is $82,219.
Are systems support analyst jobs in demand?
Systems support analyst job and salary trends over time
Systems support analyst jobs over time
Systems support analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 246,660 | 0.07% |
| 2020 | 284,612 | 0.08% |
| 2019 | 231,902 | 0.07% |
| 2018 | 179,244 | 0.05% |
| 2017 | 175,357 | 0.05% |
Average systems support analyst salary over time
Systems support analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $82,219 | $39.53 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $79,509 | $38.23 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $77,709 | $37.36 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $76,536 | $36.80 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $75,286 | $36.20 | +1.6% |
Systems support analyst jobs by state
Most common states for systems support analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 603 | 87% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 268 | 31% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,507 | 30% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,012 | 27% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,654 | 27% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 167 | 27% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 195 | 26% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 194 | 26% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 237 | 25% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 317 | 24% |
| 11 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 484 | 23% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,488 | 22% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,223 | 22% |
| 14 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,054 | 21% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 227 | 21% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 122 | 21% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,412 | 20% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,120 | 20% |
| 19 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 615 | 20% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 608 | 20% |
Most common cities for systems support analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 2 | 7% | $65,307 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $81,144 |
| 3 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $87,443 |
| 4 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $81,132 |
| 5 | Lansing | 2 | 2% | $76,870 |
| 6 | Springfield | 2 | 2% | $73,296 |
| 7 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $73,849 |
| 8 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $90,779 |
| 9 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $72,204 |
| 10 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $75,489 |
| 11 | Tallahassee | 2 | 1% | $69,123 |
| 12 | Alexandria | 1 | 1% | $90,219 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $82,496 |
| 14 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $81,156 |
| 15 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $73,805 |
| 16 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $80,583 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $65,435 |
Systems Support Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of systems support analyst experts
Belmont University
University of South Alabama
Mount St Mary's University
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Tuskegee University
Quinnipiac University
Texas A&M University San Antonio
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Pace University
SUNY Potsdam
Grand Valley State University
Tiffin University
California State University - Long Beach
Utah Valley University
Dominican University
Grantek Systems Integration
Governors State University
New York Institute of Technology
What general advice would you give to a Systems Support Analyst?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Over the next five years, the expanding landscape of Big Data facilitated via Information Systems will continue to play a major role in the structure of how Smart Systems are created and maintained. As a result, having skills that will allow for effectively accessing, modifying, analyzing, storing and securing data is key. The integration of these skills are strengths that will support fields under the umbrella of computer science and data science that expand into machine learning, natural language processing and the Internet of Things (IoT) concepts.
What Systems Support Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Colleges and universities try very hard to prepare students for life after graduation. Most students have the required skill sets for their field of study. However, the journey after attaining a degree still can be tricky. Selecting the right field for you is paramount. Information Systems (IS) is a great major. The interdisciplinary aspect of Information Systems (IS) allows graduates to select from numerous opportunities in the field. However, this can be quite overwhelming when students have options to apply to countless jobs. My advice would be to reflect on several assignments, projects or internship experiences during your undergraduate career that captured your interest, made you smile while completing the assignment or even one which began as a random goal and became personal. Start by identifying tasks that made you inquire more about a topic outside of the minimum requirements or a task that was challenging but helped to improve a skill set. Reflecting on these experiences will allow you to effectively navigate what areas to consider and what jobs to apply to in a sea of endless opportunities. Additionally, having the ability to reflect on past accomplishments can motivate and challenge graduates to achieve additional goals as they continue building their careers.
What will help Systems Support Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tisha Brown-Gaines: Employers will seek candidates that have knowledge on topics such as database systems, networking, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Leveraging the skills acquired from your degree and extending those by acquiring external certifications in these fields will help distinguish you from other candidates. There are many online programs which offer certifications in AWS, Network+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and SAP that are innovative and provide real-world case studies to prepare students to have successful careers.
What Systems Support Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Walker: To maximize your salary, it is really essential to learn the tools and methods associated with Systems Engineering while also maintaining a sense of creativity. Employers are not only looking for engineers with the ability to apply specific tools but also the ability to think creatively to solve complex systems problems. I often encourage my students to maintain their creative hobbies so that they don't lose those skills. But, more immediately, gaining a graduate education in Systems Engineering can help any engineer increase their earning potential.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Support Analyst?
Sagar Raina D.Sc.: The transition from the academic world to the industry is a significant milestone and may be overwhelming for the beginners. The first and foremost advice I would give is to be “patient”, be “positive” and be “open to learning”. The field of Information Systems consists of the three important components – people, processes, and technology. The graduates beginning their careers should be able to understand and learn about the “people” working in the organization, the “processes” of the organization and the “technology” used by the organization. To accomplish this, work hard, be open to ask questions to the senior colleagues and keep yourself informed about the new trends in Information Systems sector.
What will help Systems Support Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sagar Raina D.Sc.: Apart from the traditional knowledge expected in the field such coding, computer networking, database design and development, systems analyses, web technologies and development, data analytics; the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the knowledge about cybersecurity will be considered as the important and prevalent skills sought among the new graduates in the field.
What will help Systems Support Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jasser Jasser: In an era where intelligent chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini can perform a myriad of tasks, it's essential to infuse authenticity into your work. Whether crafting a new user experience or devising strategies against cyber threats, ensure your ideas are genuinely yours. Yet, this doesn't mean you should overlook the capabilities of these AI tools. Leverage them to refine and enhance your concepts. Equally critical is adaptability in our fast-evolving field. Embrace new roles, technologies, and methodologies with an open mind, as this flexibility can unlock doors to unexpected and fulfilling career opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Support Analyst?
Jason Nichols PhD: The business environment is very dynamic right now, especially with regards to technology, and specifically with regards to AI. The advice remains the same through this however - stay curious, and always be learning. AI requires infrastructure, and lots of it. It also requires data. Lots of that as well. Businesses won’t be successful with AI unless they are able to efficiently and dynamically expand, configure, and adjust their infrastructure in support of its implementation. They also won’t be successful unless they have a solid plan for data storage, management and security. They need your help with this, and your training has prepared you to provide this type of support. This is an exciting time to be an Information Systems Professional. You are helping to shape the future of work, and the role of technology within the modern business enterprise. We are all counting on you, your company is counting on you, and you are up for this challenge and the emergent opportunities it brings.
What Systems Support Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jason Nichols PhD: Businesses need people to manage and secure their infrastructure, they need people that deeply and richly understand the mechanics of the systems that support them in their work, and they need people equipped to identify how to leverage these systems in transformative ways in order to create meaningful and sustainable value. All of this is underpinned by a rich understanding of the business, how it operates, and how its strategic objectives are intrinsically tied to the technology upon which it runs. Sharpen your skills in cloud computing and AI-relevant cloud services and platforms, in machine learning and AI, and in systems analysis and design. Explore design patterns relevant to the architecture of business technology systems and solutions. Become an expert at orchestrating technology and infrastructure to suit a given business need, objective, or strategy. These skills are timeless.
What will help Systems Support Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jason Nichols PhD: Build your experience base through internships and industry projects, and brag about these experiences when you interview. Collect professional certificates to compliment your degree. Security and cloud computing are excellent areas to pursue these in right now. AI and machine learning as well, of course. Build a structured skillset in problem solving and critical thinking, and demonstrate this skillset in your discussions with future employers. Map all of these efforts into a coherent story about yourself in your applications, and how they have shaped you to be a tech-savvy business problem solver, with a strong understanding of both the business and the technology. This foundation prepares you for so very many roles in our field, and businesses recognize and actively seek out this profile in their job candidates. Use the resources available to you. If you need additional time for more formal training, join a masters program. Join us for a masters program, actually. Our AI in Business masters program is launching this Fall, and is open for enrollment currently. Visit us here to learn more: https://wpcarey.asu.edu/masters-programs/ai-business
What Systems Support Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Whalen P.E.: Many system engineers enjoy working across all technologies at a higher organizational level, and interacting with all types of technologists to manage and implement complex technical systems.
Many system engineers can feel challenged by their lack of depth of understanding of particular technologies compared to technical specialists.
Dalya Fadlalla
Adjunct FacultyTuskegee University
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to a Systems Support Analyst?
Dalya Fadlalla: People who work as A_AN JOB_TITLE may enjoy their work because they know what is expected from them, as it is clear on JOB_TITLE. It also, helps them be unstressed due to the clear responsibility. They can have a great opportunity to learn new skills, which has a significant impact on their organization.
Some people may find the work is more stressful, challenging, and need long hours
As a Computer Information Systems graduate entering the job market, they can explore what people like and dislike about being a Computer Information Systems professional.
Many people like working in this field, as Technology advances very fast there is always something new to learn and discover. Others may think it is hard to keep up with new technologies.
Many people appreciate that their work has a significant impact on the world. For example, if they are developing new software.
Therefore, this will depend on the person, and how he sees working in this field. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the field, you can make you can decide if this is the right path for you.
What Systems Support Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dalya Fadlalla: Some companies and industries with JOB_TITLE positions are showing growth and progression. Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a field worth considering with the quick advance in technology and great profession to enter now.
This field offers many benefits including reasonable salaries, many great opportunities for advancement and development, and job security.
The demand for CIS graduates has increased, so CIS graduates should expect and
Believed that to be in high demand in many industries.
Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a career with great potential and a promising future.
What will help Systems Support Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dalya Fadlalla: JOB_TITLE for day-to-day activities will be different depending on the specific role and industry they are working in. When it comes to Computer Information Systems (CIS) graduates entering the job market, it will be useful to have a clear understanding of a job description, and daily activities with expectations of the job for someone who entered the field.
Daily basis activities will depend on their specific job title. Some of the common job titles in this field include IT or IT project manager, programs developer, computer administrator, and database administrator. There are common tasks for Computer Information Systems including managing projects, analyzing data, leading research, managing projects, creating presentations or reports, checking and maintaining computer networks, and collaborating with team members.
For someone entering this field, his day might include learning new skills, completing tasks assigned by a supervisor, working on small projects, collaborating with other team members, and managing and organizing large amounts of data.
Someone who entering the field needs to be open to learning and willing to take on new challenges to grow and develop their skills in the field. CIS offers a wide range of job opportunities with unique daily activities and responsibilities
Guido Lang Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer Information SystemsQuinnipiac University
School of Business
What skills stand out on Systems Support Analyst resumes?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Systems analysis and design
- Business/process/data modeling
- IT project management
- Change management
What soft skills should all Systems Support Analysts possess?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
What hard/technical skills are most important for Systems Support Analysts?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Python
- SQL
- Excel
What skills will help Systems Support Analysts earn the most?
Guido Lang Ph.D.: - Cloud computing
- Scrum
- DevOps`
Robert Vinaja Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Computer Information SystemsTexas A&M University San Antonio
Computer Information Systems Department
What soft skills should all Systems Support Analysts possess?
Robert Vinaja Ph.D.: -Ability to work as part of a team.
-Attention to detail.
-Problem-solving and analytical skills.
Michael McLaughlin
FacultyBrigham Young University - Idaho
Department of Computer Information Technology
What skills stand out on Systems Support Analyst resumes?
Michael McLaughlin: The ability to solve unstructured problems.
What skills will help Systems Support Analysts earn the most?
Michael McLaughlin: Rock-solid programming skills; and presently four languages that appear to drive the highest salaries: Object-C/Swift (macOS, iOS), Ruby, Python, JavaScript (with React.js and Node.js skills). However, this changes from source to source.
Dr. Pauline Mosley
Full Professor and Associate Chair of Information TechnologyPace University
Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
What soft skills should all Systems Support Analysts possess?
Dr. Pauline Mosley: All graduates should possess strong communication skills, a willingness to take risks, think critically and innovatively. Lastly, they need to be flexible and willing to learn.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Support Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Lanz: I'm not sure any trend will be relevant long term. Short term, there will be increased competition among job applicants, since, as the economy contracts, there will obviously be fewer positions in toto. Thus applicants with more thorough training, or perhaps those with more or better certificates, will have an important advantage.
We have seen no decline in demand for trained computer scientists, who have always enjoyed a tremendous advantage in the job search (100% of our graduates go immediately into a job after graduating).
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Systems Support Analysts?
Christopher Lanz: No certificate program or selection makes an applicant competitive with an actual computer scientist. Employers are fully aware that such a person is in the strongest position to learn anything. This is absolutely not true of certificate-earners.
What's a good job out of college for Systems Support Analysts?
Christopher Lanz: The industry is screaming for qualified techies. In Burlington, for example, firms are unable to fnd who they need. Firms actually compete for our graduates. Any job in the industry, therefore, tends to be high-paying and secure.
What technical skills for a Systems Support Analyst stand out to employers?
Chirag Parikh Ph.D.: If you ask me, I consider valuable experience over good paycheck. Once you have gained that experience the paycheck will follow. As soon as you are out of college, the knowledge gained is very fresh and raring to go. If put into the right place can enhance your technical skills and you can do wonders.
As a Computer Engineering professor, I would say the job opportunities are tremendous for students out of college as they can venture into hardware field (technical support, hardware engineer, test engineer and much more) as well as software field (software engineer, software developer, software tester and much more). The possibilities are endless.
With COVID and employees working remotely there is still ample opportunity to enhance your technical and interpersonal skills as I believe remote working might stay for a while till things get back to normal.
What type of skills will young Systems Support Analysts need?
George Miller: Many organizations realize graduates cannot learn everything in college about their major but want the graduate to have a solid foundation on their field of study. The organization wants to mold the graduate to their company environment with how they do things related to the field of study. Most companies want college graduates to have good communication skills (both oral and written), critical thinking skills and be able to work well in teams. These skills have been a staple for graduates since I can remember. This is why a college graduate takes many general education courses related to these skills and many of their major courses emphasize these skills.
Going back to the previous answer I believe graduates in all fields of study will need a better knowledge of technology and easier adaptability to changing technology. Again, an IS degree is already preparing students for this.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Support Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Lesley Farmer: Many employees have trouble pivoting to online work so in the short term, tech support and instructional design jobs are in high demand. Data privacy and security are also hot topics and need ed tech expertise. Tech maintenance, including cloud services and networks, continue to be needed, rather like car maintenance. Thinking forward, software development is another area of need, particularly with more online-based education. If grads have data analytics expertise, they can find jobs on data management and learning analytics.
Disabilities continue to be an issue, particularly in terms of equity, so jobs dealing with assistive technology and other ed tech supports are possible. Finally, grads should broaden their concept of educational settings; informal education is more important than ever: in business/HR, libraries and museums, recreational and youth-serving clubs, mass media, government and non-profit agencies. All of these entities are involved in training, outreach, PR, and public awareness/education. Be creative and persistent.
What Systems Support Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Lesley Farmer: Internships are probably the best option, even if unpaid. Some institutions provide career placement services, and grads could contact their instructors about possible options. Companies, professional associations, and non-profits also advertise internships.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Support Analyst?
Dr. Lesley Farmer: Get to know the site before interviewing, and remember that even interviews are an opportunity to practice communication skills-and to see if there's a good match between you and the site. Once hired, learn about the organizational culture and develop trustful relationships. Make one memorable contribution the first month, but focus on becoming an expert before changing others. In addition, join a local and national professional association to keep current and network.
Curtis Welborn
ProfessorUtah Valley University
Computer Science Department
What experience really stands out on Systems Support Analyst resumes?
Curtis Welborn: That can really depend upon the company. Some companies want people with a strong background in machine learning right now. But I've met people who shy away from hiring people with too much machine learning on their resume even when the company wants someone to do machine learning because too many of these people only want to, or only can, do machine learning. They don't have a strong fundamental understanding of Computer Science (see No. 2). Our students who complete the Compiler course get jobs, not because companies are building a compiler but because companies know that someone who can build a compiler can most likely do anything they would want done. So people should not focus on finding that thing that makes their resume look good today. Just be great at everything you do. Take hard classes, and excel at them. Learn EVERYTHING you can, and companies will want you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Support Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Kate Marek Ph.D.: Probably an acceleration of existing trends - remote working, skill-set based job openings (rather than degree-specific), along with an ongoing need for necessary skills such as writing, problem-solving, collaboration, and project management.
What Systems Support Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kate Marek Ph.D.: If possible, find a paid internship in your area of interest, which will help expand your professional network and build your skillset. Use this time to keep scanning job ads to identify skill sets in demand; look for online mini-courses to make those skill sets.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Support Analyst?
Kate Marek Ph.D.: Choose an organization in tune with one's values. Look for a job in growth areas, such as data asset management, data analysis, etc.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Systems Support Analysts to find work opportunities?
Jacob Chapman: I would say the good news is there's a lot of flexibility. Working in the industrial automation field, manufacturing, and industrial operations are everywhere, and so are the vendors and service providers that support them. Additionally, remote access into the systems that need work done on them and employers' openness to working from home is accelerating. Finally, COVID-19 has made many organizations, which valued in-person interaction, learn that business can continue with a highly remote workforce.
With all of that being said, there are hotspots to be aware of. In life sciences, manufacturing, Raleigh-Durham, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Boston, and California come to mind. If you're open to working at an engineering services company or an OEM, your options are endless, and they're often located outside major U.S. and Canadian cities.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Support Analyst job market given the pandemic?
Stephen Hyzny: Security, as more people need online services, the protection behind that technology will be needed.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Systems Support Analysts in the next 5 years?
Stephen Hyzny: As everything involves technology, more educated people will need it in the future. As our cars, houses, and lives connect, people will be required to make it all work.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Systems Support Analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Babak Beheshti Ph.D.: -The enormous growth of IoT and wearables. The number of connected devices is expected to be more than 26 billion in 2020. That includes things like household appliances, controllable lighting, and much more. This trend is likely to continue as it is expected to see the industry grow to 661 billion dollars by 2021.
-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.
-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.