How much does a systems analyst make?
a year · about $51 an hour
A typical systems analyst in the United States makes $105,850 a year, about $51 an hour, about 2.1× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They talk with staff and managers to find out what a computer system needs, then sketch diagrams for programmers. They test the updated system, fix problems, and may teach coworkers how to use it.
Did you know? Systems analysts may write code, too; BLS says those who focus on coding and debugging can be called “programmer analysts.”
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $67,340 and $167,710How do you become one?
Most U.S. systems analysts earn a bachelor’s in computer science or information systems; some employers accept business or liberal-arts degrees plus tech skills. Many start after college, often in their early 20s, though apprenticeships are another route.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay tends to vary with experience and education, location, and industry; the BLS says pay differs across industries and areas. A specialist in financial or engineering systems may also earn differently from a generalist.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Rhode Island ($134,630), lowest in Idaho ($75,310).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a IT consultant averages $59,269. Systems analyst salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $67,340 | $105,850 | $167,710 | about 520,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $134,630 | about 2,000 |
| Washington | $129,410 | about 24,000 |
| Massachusetts | $128,240 | about 22,000 |
| Colorado | $127,750 | about 6,000 |
| California | $127,720 | about 59,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.ht
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1211.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY