What Computer Systems Analysts do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Computer Systems Analysts this way: "Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems"; "Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems"; "Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology"; "Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address"; "Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Computer Systems Analysts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 544,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 587,200 in 2035, an increase of 42,800 jobs (+7.9%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 32,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $105,850, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Computer Systems Analysts earn the most
Across the 20 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $99,316 in Pennsylvania to $129,805 in Washington, a gap of $30,488 (1.31 times). 14 of those 20 states average above the BLS national median of $105,850 and 6 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 51,890, which is 10.6% of the 489,950 counted across them. Texas follows with 42,150.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($129,805), Massachusetts ($127,786) and New Hampshire ($127,626) lead the ranking, while Pennsylvania ($99,316) and Florida ($100,505) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Computer Systems Analysts: pay against the cost of living
We compare 24 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $72,804. The smallest margin is $47,998 in Cook County, IL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 24 of the 24 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 13.6% and 35.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Computer Systems Analysts
Information Security Analysts belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Software Developers, Computer Network Architects, Web and Digital Interface Designers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers.
Frequently asked questions about Computer Systems Analysts
What is the national median wage for Computer Systems Analysts?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $105,850. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $99,316 to $129,805.
Which state pays Computer Systems Analysts the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $129,805. Massachusetts is next at $127,786.
What is the job outlook for Computer Systems Analysts?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 32,900 openings a year.
What education do Computer Systems Analysts need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Computer Systems Analysts afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $72,804 on a median wage of $127,040.