Related job titles are: Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Systems Administrator, Systems Analyst, Network Specialist, Network Technician, System Programmer, Telecommunications Manager, or Systems Specialist.
How Much Does a Computer Systems Analyst Make? | Computer Systems Analyst Salary
The median yearly salary for computer systems analysts was $77,740 in May 2010 (the most recent data available). This median salary is simply the salary where half the employees earned more and half earned a lesser amount. Employees in the lower 10 percent had an annual salary less than $48,360, and those employees in the top 10 percent earned greater then $119,070.
What Does a Computer Systems Analyst Do? | Job Description
Computer Systems Analyst is one of U.S. News and World Report "100 Best Jobs of 2013."
Computer Systems Analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.
Analysts use a variety of techniques to design computer systems such as data-modeling systems, which create rules for the computer to follow when presenting data, thereby allowing analysts to make faster decisions. They also do information engineering, designing and setting up information systems to improve efficiency and communication.
Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, IT Consultant, and IT Network Engineer are four of CNNMoney.com "100 Best Jobs in America."
How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst?
A bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science field is common. Systems analysts must also understand the business field they are working in. For example, a hospital may want an analyst with a background or coursework in health management. An analyst working for a bank may need to understand finance.
Computer Systems Analyst Classes and Courses | Degree Programs
Most computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Because computer systems analysts are also heavily involved in the business side of a company, it may be helpful to take business courses or major in management information systems (MIS).
Some employers prefer applicants who have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems. For more technically complex jobs, a master’s degree in computer science may be more appropriate.
Many systems analysts continue to take classes throughout their careers so that they can learn about new and innovative technologies and keep their skills competitive. Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continual study is necessary to remain competitive.
Computer Systems Analyst Jobs | Who is Hiring?
Employment of computer systems analysts is expected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average of all occupations.
As organizations across the economy increase their reliance on information technology (IT), workers in this occupation will be hired to design and install new computer systems. Growth in wireless and mobile networks will create a need for new systems that work well with these networks.
Additional job growth is expected in healthcare fields. A large increase is expected in electronic medical records, e-prescribing, and other forms of healthcare IT, and analysts will be needed to design computer systems to accommodate the increase.
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