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Salary comparison

Computer Systems Analysts vs. Computer User Support Specialists: Who Earns More?

Computer Systems Analysts out-earn Computer User Support Specialists by $44K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Computer Systems Analysts land at $105,850 and Computer User Support Specialists at $61,860. The education gap is real: computer systems analyst programs typically require bachelor's degree, while computer user support specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Computer Systems Analysts is Rhode Island ($134,630); for Computer User Support Specialists it's District of Columbia ($80,950).

Computer Systems Analysts
Computer User Support Specialists
Median salary
$105,850
$61,860
Hourly rate
$50.89/hr
$29.74/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$67,340
$40,980
Senior level (90th %)
$167,710
$100,540
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
U.S. employment
519,530
717,190
Job growth (10-year)
8.7%
-3.7%
Category
Technology
Technology
Top-paying state
Rhode Island
District of Columbia

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Computer Systems Analysts median pay.

State
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer User Support Specialists
Washington
$129,410
$75,220
Massachusetts
$128,240
$75,070
Colorado
$127,750
$71,900
California
$127,720
$79,570
New Jersey
$122,890
$64,470
Oregon
$121,620
$62,840
Virginia
$120,840
$65,040
District of Columbia
$116,820
$80,950
Maryland
$113,610
$64,750
Wyoming
$109,780
$65,100
New York
$109,610
$72,560
Connecticut
$109,600
$70,210
Minnesota
$106,350
$63,630
Vermont
$99,610
$63,030
Alaska
$88,520
$63,110

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Computer Systems Analysts or Computer User Support Specialists?

Computer Systems Analysts earn more nationally. The median is $105,850 for Computer Systems Analysts versus $61,860 for Computer User Support Specialists, a difference of $44K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Computer Systems Analysts or Computer User Support Specialists?

Computer Systems Analysts has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to -3.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Computer Systems Analysts or Computer User Support Specialists?

Computer Systems Analysts typically requires bachelor's degree. Computer User Support Specialists requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Computer Systems Analysts get paid the most?

Rhode Island is the top-paying state for Computer Systems Analysts at $134,630/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Computer Systems Analysts vs. Computer User Support Specialists pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Computer Systems Analysts earn $129,410 vs. $75,220 for Computer User Support Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Computer Systems Analysts salary breakdownView →Full Computer User Support Specialists salary breakdownView →Best cities for Computer Systems Analysts by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Computer User Support Specialists by take-home payExplore →How to become a computer systems analystsGuide →How to become a computer user support specialistsGuide →