Computer Systems Analyst vs Data Scientist: $106K vs $120K Median Pay

Computer Systems Analyst vs Data Scientist: what changes?

Consider Computer Systems Analyst if you want to analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Consider Data Scientist if you would rather develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Both list bachelor's degree; compare training and prior experience separately.

Try this next: Compare three local entry-level postings for Computer Systems Analyst and Data Scientist. 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 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

Data Scientist

National median pay (2025): $120,230
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: Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
Annual openings (2025–2035): 24,800

Know before you choose

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

See the full Data Scientist brief

How the national numbers differ

Data Scientist has the edge on projected growth

Data Scientist is at 34.6% projected growth, compared with 7.9% projected growth for Computer Systems Analyst.

Data Scientist has the edge on median pay

Data Scientist is at $120,230, compared with $105,850 for Computer Systems Analyst.

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on annual openings

Computer Systems Analyst is at 32,900 annual openings, compared with 24,800 annual openings for Data Scientist.

76.9/ 100

Computer Systems Analyst

80.2/ 100

Data Scientist

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 Systems Analyst vs Data Scientist

Dimension	Computer Systems Analyst	Data Scientist
Median pay (2025)	$105,850	$120,230
Pay percentile	86.4 percentile	89.5 percentile
Projected growth (2025–2035)	7.9%	34.6%
Annual openings (2025–2035)	32,900	24,800
2025 employment	544,400	275,600
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 Systems Analyst brief Read Data Scientist brief

Computer Systems Analyst vs Data Scientist: what changes?

The facts most likely to affect your decision

Computer Systems Analyst

Data Scientist

How the national numbers differ

Data Scientist has the edge on projected growth

Data Scientist has the edge on median pay

Computer Systems Analyst has the edge on annual openings

Computer Systems Analyst vs Data Scientist

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