Salary Outlook
The Labor Department reports that computer system analysts made a median salary of $78,770 in 2011. The highest-paid 10 percent in the profession earned $120,060 that year, while the lowest-paid earned $49,370. Some of the most highly compensated analyst positions support the mining and oil and gas extraction industries as well as scientific research and development. Two niche industries that pay computer systems analysts particularly well are animal slaughtering and processing and motion picture and video, but job seekers should note that there are relatively few positions available in these fields. Location-wise, the highest-paying jobs can be found in the Northeast region of the country.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $63,330.00 |
| 2004 | $71,340.00 |
| 2006 | $74,880.00 |
| 2008 | $83,200.00 |
| 2010 | $81,250.00 |
Average Computer Systems Analyst Pay vs. All Technology Jobs
The average computer systems analyst makes about $10,500 less than a software developer, but the occupation pays well. These professionals earn more than the average database administrator, computer programmer, network and computer systems administrator, and Web developer.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $89,280.00 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $78,770.00 |
| Web Developer | $77,990.00 |
| Civil Engineer | $77,990.00 |
| Database Administrator | $75,190.00 |
| Computer Programmer | $72,630.00 |
See Complete List of Best Technology Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Computer Systems Analysts
The highest paid in the computer systems analyst profession work in the metropolitan areas of Bridgeport, CT, Las Cruces, NM, and Jacksonville, NC. The Washington, DC area also pays well, as does the city of San Jose, CA.
Bridgeport, CT
Average Salary: $100,900 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer systems analyst working in Bridgeport, CT is $100,900, which is $22,130 more than the average pay in the profession.
Las Cruces, NM
Average Salary: $98,900 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer systems analyst working in Las Cruces, NM is $98,900, which is $20,130 more than the average pay in the profession.
Jacksonville, NC
Average Salary: $98,460 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer systems analyst working in Jacksonville, NC is $98,460, which is $19,690 more than the average pay in the profession.
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $97,060 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer systems analyst working in Washington, DC is $97,060, which is $18,290 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $96,230 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a computer systems analyst working in San Jose, CA is $96,230, which is $17,460 more than the average pay in the profession.
