Where AI can help
AI can draft requirements, textual diagrams and documentation.
Technology · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Computer Systems Analysts
Connect organizational needs with system improvements. They investigate processes, evaluate solutions and support integrations and changes.
Observed AI exposureNot measured in this editionAnthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection+7.9%2025–2035
Education typically neededBachelor’s degreeBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- 02
Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- 03
Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- 04
Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- 05
Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
An example of an output
A specification describing the problem, proposed flow, integrations and acceptance criteria.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
Technology-using organizations and consultancies. Business discussions alternate with technical analysis.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$114,610
Median annual pay$105,850
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$67,340
90th percentile$167,710
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 2025544,400
Projected openings per year32,900
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Resolving conflicting requirements and validating impacts require knowledge of the actual process.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Map a fictional order process and propose an integration, including failure cases and acceptance criteria.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- Bachelor’s degree
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- None specified in BLS classification
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Process analysisrequirementsinvestigationcross-team communication
Tools you may encounter
Process diagrams · SQL · requirements documentation · integration tools
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$113,790 Mean annual pay
Management Analysts ↗
Systems mapping can expand into organizational processes.
- What you can carry over
- Requirements and process analysis
- What you would need to learn
- Costs, organizational change and implementation
What to consider
Industry experience needs to support recommendations beyond technology.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Map a fictional order process and propose an integration, including failure cases and acceptance criteria.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Computer Systems AnalystsSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 15-1211.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗