Systems Analysts Description OES Code: 251020 Analyze business, scientific, and technical problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Exclude persons working primarily as Engineers, Mathematicians, or Scientists. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $13.90 minimum – $23.97 New, experienced: $17.05 $6.00 – $33.56 3 yrs+ experience: $21.57 $5.85 – $43.15 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Systems Analysts usually work 40 hours a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most employers offer benefit packages that include health, dental, vision, holidays and vacation, and retirement plans. Employment Trends Employment 1996 42,360 Projected Employment 2006 85,430 Growth Rate 1996-2006 101.7% Openings due to Separations 4,350 Employment Trends by California County Most Computer Systems Analysts in California work in manufacturing (particularly in the computer equipment field), computer software firms, data processing firms, banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, consulting firms, and government agencies. Employment of Systems Analysts is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations in to the twenty-first century, as computer usage expands. The demand for Systems Analysts is expected to rise as advances in technology lead to new applications for computers. Factory and office automation, advances in telecommunications technology, and scientific research are just a few areas where use of computer systems will expand. As a consequence, there will be several differing effects on the employment demand of Systems Analysts. Employment of Systems Analysts in data processing firms may not grow quite as rapidly as in recent years because more small businesses will install their own computers rather than rely on a data processing service. This will be offset, however, by a rising demand in firms that produce specialized software, for the analysis and design of systems to be run on small computers for small firms. Advancement The Computer Systems Analyst job is not usually the entry position in most firms. Often, job openings are filled by experienced programmers moving up the promotional ladder in the same firm. College graduates who have had courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and other data processing areas, as well as training or experience in an applied field, should enjoy the best prospects for employment. Persons without a college degree and college graduates unfamiliar with data processing will face stiff competition from the large number of experienced workers seeking jobs as Systems Analysts. In large data processing departments, persons who begin as junior systems analysts may be promoted to senior or lead analysts after several years of experience. Systems Analysts who show leadership ability also can advance to jobs as managers of systems analysis or data processing departments. Some Systems Analysts with several years of experience may start their own computer consulting firms.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Employers generally seek college graduates for Systems Analyst jobs; and, for some of the more complex jobs, persons with graduate degrees are preferred. Employers usually want analysts with a background in accounting, business management, or economics for work in a business environment, while a background in the physical sciences, mathematics, or engineering is preferred for work in scientifically oriented organizations. A growing number of employers seek applicants who have a degree in computer science, information science, information systems, or data processing. Regardless of college major, employers look for people who are familiar with programming languages. Courses in computer concepts, systems analysis, and data base management systems offer good preparation for a job in this field. Systems Analysts must be able to think logically and should like working with ideas. They often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously. The ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail also is important. Systems Analysts also need to keep up with the rapidly changing technology of the computer field, so continuous study is necessary to keep skills up to date. Training averages about 1-2 weeks and is usually offered by the employers and software vendors. Additional training may come from professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies. Skills & Other Requirements Although Systems Analysts often work independently, they also work in teams on large projects. They must be able to communicate effectively with technical personnel, such as programmers, as well as with managers and clients who have no computer background. Getting the Job & Other Information Openings for experienced Systems Analysts may be advertised in local and national newspapers. Information about non-advertised job opportunities can frequently be obtained from friends working in the industry or through contacts made at professional meetings and conferences. Those interested in civil service applicants should the federal, State, county, and city personnel offices. Further information on employment may be obtained from the nearest California Employment Development Department office. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Computer Systems Analyst #541 Related Occupation: Industrial Engineers #3, Computer Programmers #81, Computer Systems Engineers #488 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.