Career Profile: Computer Systems Analysts

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 538,800 people employed as computer systems analysts in the United States. The median annual salary is $99,270. Entry level employees earn approximately $60,680 per year and senior employees earn approximately $158,010 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
• Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
• Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
• Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
• Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
• Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
• Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
• Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
• Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
• Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
• Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
• Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
• Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
• Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
• Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
• Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
• Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
• Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
• Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
• Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
• Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.
• Recommend new equipment or software packages.

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