Employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
As organizations across the economy increase their reliance on information technology (IT), analysts will be hired to design and install new computer systems. Smaller firms with minimal IT requirements will find it more cost effective to outsource to cloud service providers or to industries that employ expert IT service providers. This will create additional job growth in the data processing, hosting, and related services industry and the computer systems design and related services industry, respectively.
Analysts who work in the computer systems design and related services industry move from one project to the next as they complete work for clients. As more small- and medium-sized firms demand advanced systems, the practice of analysts moving between businesses is expected to increase. Employment of systems analysts is projected to grow 33 percent in the computer systems design and related services industry from 2014 to 2024.
Additional job growth is expected in healthcare fields. Computer systems analysts will be needed to accommodate the anticipated increase in use and implementation of electronic health records, e-prescribing, and other forms of healthcare IT.
Job Prospects
Job applicants with a background in business may have better prospects because jobs for computer systems analysts often require knowledge of an organization's business needs. An understanding of the specific field an analyst is working in is also helpful. For example, a hospital may desire an analyst with a background or coursework in health management.
Computer Systems Analysts
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Computer systems analysts
21%
Computer occupations
12%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program