Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
Source: O*Net 2025
Sample Job Titles:
Business Systems Analysts
Systems Analysts
IT Business Analysts
Functional Analysts
Technical Business Analysts
Source: O*Net 2025
Outlook in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)
Employment (Q1 2023) 6,502
Projected Annual Growth 1.0%
Average Entry Level Salary $61,456
Median Salary $106,124
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer Systems Analysts (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
2,239
Current Workforce
6,502
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Preferred Certifications
(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)
Top 10 Skills Requested
(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)
Systems Analysis
Auditing
Data Analysis
SQL
Workflow Management
Project Management
Process Improvement
Finance
Billing
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Outlook in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)
Employment (Q1 2023) 18,697
Projected Annual Growth 0.6%
Average Entry Level Salary $74,410
Median Salary $125,948
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer Systems Analysts (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
10,964
Current Workforce
18,697
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Preferred Certifications
(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)
Secret Clearance
Top Secret Clearance
Security Clearance
Top 10 Skills Requested
(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)
Systems Analysis
Project Management
Information Systems
Data Analysis
Workflow Management
Auditing
Configuration Management
Linux
Microsoft Sharepoint
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Outlook in the Richmond, VA MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)
Employment (Q1 2023) 2,755
Projected Annual Growth 0.4%
Average Entry Level Salary $62,075
Median Salary $102,660
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Supply-Demand Snapshot: Computer Systems Analysts (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
2037
Current Workforce
2,755
Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4
Preferred Certifications
(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)
GIAC Certifications
CompTIA Security+
GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional
GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst
Top 10 Skills Requested
(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)
