Computer Programmers vs Computer Systems Analyst: $100K vs $106K Median Pay

Computer Programmers vs Computer Systems Analyst: what changes?

Consider Computer Programmers if you want to create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Consider Computer Systems Analyst if you would rather analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Both list bachelor's degree; compare training and prior experience separately.

Try this next: Compare three local entry-level postings for Computer Programmers and Computer Systems Analyst. List the duties, credentials, prior experience, and paid training each employer actually asks for. Try a supervised class or sample project from each field before choosing a program.

BLS 2025 wages and 2025–2035 projections. National medians are not starting offers. Occupation size is not a count of vacancies. View the BLS data.

Compare the practical differences

Computer Programmers

National median pay (2025): $100,390
Route into the job: Bachelor's degree
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.
Work to investigate: Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 4,400

Know before you choose

BLS projects employment to shrink 7.3% from 2025 to 2035. Openings can still occur when existing workers leave.

See the full Computer Programmers brief

Computer Systems Analyst

National median pay (2025): $105,850
Route into the job: Bachelor's degree
Prior related experience: No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
Training and licensing: BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.
Work to investigate: Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 32,900

Know before you choose

Review the full career brief for day-to-day working conditions.

See the full Computer Systems Analyst brief

How the national numbers differ

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on projected growth

Computer Systems Analyst is at 7.9% projected growth, compared with -7.3% projected growth for Computer Programmers.

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on annual openings

Computer Systems Analyst is at 32,900 annual openings, compared with 4,400 annual openings for Computer Programmers.

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on median pay

Computer Systems Analyst is at $105,850, compared with $100,390 for Computer Programmers.

45.9/ 100

Computer Programmers

76.9/ 100

Computer Systems Analyst

Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.

Detailed evidence

Computer Programmers vs Computer Systems Analyst

Dimension	Computer Programmers	Computer Systems Analyst
Median pay (2025)	$100,390	$105,850
Pay percentile	83.1 percentile	86.4 percentile
Projected growth (2025–2035)	-7.3%	7.9%
Annual openings (2025–2035)	4,400	32,900
2025 employment	110,800	544,400
How you qualify	Bachelor's degree	Bachelor's degree
O*NET preparation group	Job Zone 4	Job Zone 4
Related work experience	No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.	No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary.
On-the-job training	BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.	BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training.

The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.

Read Computer Programmers brief Read Computer Systems Analyst brief

Computer Programmers vs Computer Systems Analyst: what changes?

The facts most likely to affect your decision

Computer Programmers

Computer Systems Analyst

How the national numbers differ

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on projected growth

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on annual openings

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on median pay

Computer Programmers vs Computer Systems Analyst

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