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Information TechnologyTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Computer Systems Analyst

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Annual openings

834

Median wage

$127,750

Typical education

Bachelor's Degree

Growth 2026–2032

+13%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Bachelor's Degree

Credential requirement

A systems analysis-related certification is often viewed positively by Employers. However, it is important to understand which certifications are valued by Employers by looking at current job posting information.

Credential detail

Certifications that are valued by some employers include: • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) • Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP) • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) • Epic Certification

Work experience

No previous experience is required in some instances and sometimes this is a transition role from an entry-level position (such as a Software Quality Assurance Tester). An internship in a similar role is preferred, but often not required. Full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is also preferred. A portfolio demonstrating your systems analysis experience or training (in a class or own your own) is also valued.

Training

Training in the appropriate or similar systems analysis environment or toolset is often required. For some jobs, a bachelor's degree or graduation from a respected software developer program or bootcamp will be required.

Work-based learning

This job has been identified by employers as a key feeder role into a cybersecurity career.

Remote work

Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.

Employer competency information

  • Problem Solving & Decision Making — Able to frame and then solve complex problems by reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; synthesizing needs and insights from both business and IT in a collaborative way and then socializing proposed solution to refine and get agreement. Determining how a business process should work and how various changes (e.g., conditions, operations) will affect the process and outcomes; identifying and considering a decision’s repercussions for the system as a whole; ideally, able to act as a bridge between IT and the business to make optimal decisions; some ability to think across systems when needed.
  • Critical & Analytical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to systems or process problems; ideally able to effectively decompose problems into a logical set of smaller, related subproblems; able to judge the relative strengths and weaknesses of the set of possible options to inform decisions.
  • Lifelong Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problems and decisions; embracing change and understanding new concepts; breaking systems down their key underlying elements; asking appropriate questions; talking with others to gain answers and insights, particularly business needs and IT capabilities.
Got an Associate's Degree and certifications? LinkedIn identified that new Cybersecurity job holders were 3 times more likely to hold an Associate's degree than the average US worker. Getting an Associate's degree and obtaining in-demand industry certifications can be a good pathway into a Cybersecurity career.
There is a strong need for more Computer Systems Analysts than are currently graduating from formal programs. Therefore, there is an opportunity for someone that has the appropriate knowledge and abilities to work to develop Systems Analyst skills on their own through online training and data analysis opportunities.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Technology
  • Networking

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  2. Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
  3. Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  4. Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
  5. Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
  6. Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
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