Career Trends: Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions 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.

Most computer systems analysts work full time. About 1 in 5 worked more than 40 hours per week in 2014.

A bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science field is common, although not always a requirement. Some firms hire analysts with business or liberal arts degrees who have skills in information technology or computer programming.

Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and mobile networks will increase demand for these workers.

This occupation supported 520,600 jobs in 2012 and 567,800 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 9.1%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 24.5% in 2022 to 648,400 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 546,100, compared with an observed value of 567,800, 4.0% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 22.8% in 2024 to 686,300 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 673,900 jobs for 2024, 1.8% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.