How to Become a Systems Analyst
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions need a bachelors degree in information systems, information analysis, or business technology. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a masters’s degree along with earning certificates in programming or a specific software can help you stand out in the hiring process.
Begin your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started in systems analysis.
How Much Does a Systems Analyst Make?
$79,680 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+127,700 additional people employed
Specialization Options:
Clinical systems, application systems, operating systems, information systems, and management
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Manicurist and Pedicurist page)
Discover the Best Places to Become a Systems Analyst
The number one state for employment in the nation is found in California, with over 62,000 systems analyst jobs being occupied, and a yearly average wage of $92,420. The highest average salary can be found in Virginia, however, offering employees a sum of $99,950 yearly in the profession.
Just about every business needs systems analyst to keep employees moving across their internal and external networks. The following industries employ the most network and computer systems administrators:
| Computer systems design and related services | 14% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 12% |
| Finance and insurance | 10% |
| Manufacturing | 7% |
| Telecommunications | 6% |
Employment and Salary Information by State for System Analysts
Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career in Systems Analysis
Employment and Information Data for Systems Analyst
Why Become a Systems Analyst?
A systems analysts is the key to any IT operation and skilled professionals streamline organizations’ processes while developing best use practices for their hardware and software applications. System analysts earn an impressive salary with mean annual wages of $81,250, while the top 10% earn more than $119,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The process of developing software and extending technology to meet maximum benefits within an organization is constant and always evolving. As a result, systems analysts are presented with an ongoing cycle of challenges.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Systems Analyst
- Computing, Engineering & Society
- Fundamentals of Programming and Problem Solving
- Technology, Ethics, and Global Society
- Object-Oriented Software Development
- Data Abstraction and Data Structures
- Computer Architecture
- Data Communications and Networks
- Applied Software Engineering
- Database Systems
- Senior Design Project
- Optimization Modeling
- Stochastic Modeling
Degrees for Systems Analyst Careers
Certificate
A certificate program provides a basic curriculum that focuses on management information systems, networking, software engineering and business software.
Associate’s Degree
This typically two-year degree program also offers basic curriculum that focuses on management information systems, business software applications, networking, and software engineering. Often an associate’s degree is required for entry-level positions.
Bachelor’s Degree
Larger firms generally require a bachelor’s degree and employers with more complex IT working environments could possible want professionals with even higher educational training.
Master’s Degree
Systems analysts that have completed an undergraduate degree are eligible for advanced graduate programs that often prepare individuals for work at larger organizations that often require a more sophisticated and complex set of operational skills.