Computer Systems Analysts
These analysts work in computer consulting firms and computer systems units throughout the private and public sectors. Their duties may require them to:
- analyze and find computer solutions to clients' information processing, database or computation needs;
- write requirement specifications for computer programs, identifying steps in the program and required algorithms;
- test and implement computer programs and provide user training;
- plan and implement computer security systems for database access control;
- analyze databases, develop database directories and generate and maintain databases;
- supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders.
This occupation also includes business systems analysts, computer consultants, computer graphics specialists and electronic data processing analysts.
Education, Training and Experience
These analysts must usually complete either a bachelor's degree, typically in computer science, mathematics, commerce or business administration, or a college program in computer science. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree or a community college diploma.
They must usually have experience as computer programmers.
Those who wish to specialize in commercial or engineering and scientific applications must take specific college or university studies or obtain experience in those applications.
With experience, they may progress to supervisory or senior positions or become information systems and data processing managers.
In These Occupations ...
131,000 people were employed in 1998, an increase of 112.4% from 1988. After employment gains of 33.2% from 1988 to 1993, employment grew 59.5% from 1993 to 1998. In comparison, employment in all occupations grew 12.3% over the same ten years, and 8.2% over the last five.
5% work part-time, well below the average of 19% for all occupations.
15% are self-employed, compared to an average of 17% for all occupations. The proportion of self-employed workers in this occupation has increased significantly over the past ten years.
29% are women, well below the average of 45% for all occupations.
the unemployment rate averaged 2.1% from 1996 to 1998, compared to the national average of 6.0%. This rate is among the lowest for occupations in the natural and applied sciences sectors.
the average earnings are comparable to those for other professional occupations and for other occupations in the natural and applied sciences sectors.
National Outlook to 2004
Currently, chances of finding work in this occupation are rated "Good", since employment opportunities and earnings are both above average.
Over the next five years, this outlook is not expected to change, as the number of job openings is expected to be matched by the number of qualified job seekers.
Systems analysts will need to keep up with rapid changes in programming languages and techniques. They also require good interpersonal and communication skills to be able to understand the nature of client requirements and to convey information about technical occupations to clients who typically have little knowledge of information systems.
Job opportunities related to the year 2000 problem will disappear, so that analysts who have been working in this area will need to move into other fields. This may require updating their skills.
Most of the increase in employment requirements through 2004 for this occupation is expected to occur in the business services industry.
Where They Work | |
| Business Services | 41.4% |
| Finance and Insurance and Real Estate | 12.1% |
| Federal Administration | 5.2% |
| Telecommunication Carriers | 4.0% |
| Provincial and Territorial Administration | 3.8% |
| Education | 3.2% |
| Professional Services | 2.9% |
Type of Employment |
| This Occupation | All Occupations |
| Full-time | 95.1% | 81.1% |
| Part-time | 4.9% | 18.9% |
Distribution by Age |
| This Occupation | All Occupations |
| 15 - 29 | 21.5% | 26.5% |
| 30 - 39 | 44.4% | 28.5% |
| 40 - 54 | 30.8% | 35.2% |
| 55 & over | 3.3% | 9.8% |
Work Prospects | |
| Current | 2004 |
| Good | Good |
Earnings | |
| Age Groups | 20 – 29 | 30 – 39 | 40 – 49 |
| Highest 20% | 43,400 | 54,900 | 63,300 |
| Average | 35,500 | 45,300 | | 51,700 |
| Lowest 20% | 26,700 | 33,900 | 38,100 |
Unemployment Rate |
| This Occupation | All Occupations |
| 1998 | 2.0%< | 5.5% |
| 1997 | 2.1% | 5.9% |
| 1996 | 2.1% | 6.5% |
| 1995 | 2.1% | 6.5% |
| 1994 | 2.2% | 7.0% |
| 1993 | 3.0% | 7.9% |
| 1992 | 3.1% | 8.5% |
| 1991 | 2.8% | 8.3% |
| 1990 | 2.3% | 6.7% |
| 1989 | 2.1% | 6.1% |
| 1988 | 2.0% | 6.2% |
| 1987 | 2.6% | 6.9% |
| 1986 | 3.3% | 7.4% |
| 1985 | 2.8% | 7.9% |
| 1984 | 2.8% | 8.4% |