Systems Analysts
Description OES Code: 25102
Analyze business, scientific, and technical problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Exclude persons working primarily as Engineers, Mathematicians, or Scientists.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $21.40
25th Percentile $24.12
50th Percentile $30.60
75th Percentile $38.70

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $21.40
25th Percentile $24.12
50th Percentile $30.60
75th Percentile $38.70

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS 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, California
Employment 1998 59,400
Projected Employment 2008 113,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 90.2%
Separations 1998-2008 5,400

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 230
Projected Employment 2006 370
Percent Change 1999-2006 60.9%
Separations 1999-2006 10

Employment Trends by California County

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.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

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.

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.

References
California Occupational Guide: #541

Related Occupations: Industrial Engineers #3, Computer Programmers #81

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)