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Boston Career Explorer

Computer and Mathematical

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Also called: Applications Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Information Systems Analyst (ISA)

Compare with my current job (Sociologists)
Median pay in Greater Boston
$129,180
$62.11/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
17,470
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+4.4%
1,030 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$83,190$101,950$129,180$161,130$172,940

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  • Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
  • Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  • Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
  • Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
  • Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure81 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 80
  • Language-model AIOE 76
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 87

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure is higher for this job, and observed AI use is substantial. AI tools can help with troubleshooting, testing, and analyzing business data. Work that depends on people includes understanding what users and staff need and coordinating systems across an organization. Analysts who learn to use these tools well may find their work shifts rather than disappears.

Likely to change

  • Troubleshooting program and system malfunctions
  • Testing and monitoring programs and systems

Still relies on people

  • Working with staff to understand their needs
  • Coordinating and linking systems across an organization

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

38 programs near Boston (plus 14 graduate)

Related occupations

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