Computer Systems Analysts vs Computer User Support Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn $43,450 more per year than Computer User Support Specialists professionals — that's 72.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Systems Analysts earns $166,030 compared to $98,010 for Computer User Support Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Systems Analysts$63,160 – $166,030
Computer User Support Specialists$38,780 – $98,010
$38,780$166,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Systems Analysts | Computer User Support Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,160 | $38,780 | +$24,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,900 | $47,580 | +$33,320 |
| Median (50th) | $103,790 | $60,340 | +$43,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,360 | $77,010 | +$55,350 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,030 | $98,010 | +$68,020 |
| Mean (Average) | $111,960 | $64,990 | +$46,970 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Systems Analysts
497,800
employed nationwide
Computer User Support Specialists
697,210
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Systems Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $160,800 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $132,580 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $127,150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $126,520 |
Best Cities for Computer User Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $102,430 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,010 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $80,930 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $77,750 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $75,250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Systems Analysts or Computer User Support Specialists?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $43,450 (72.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts salaries range from $63,160 (10th percentile) to $166,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $103,790.
What is the salary range for Computer User Support Specialists?
Computer User Support Specialists salaries range from $38,780 (10th percentile) to $98,010 (90th percentile), with a median of $60,340.
How many Computer Systems Analysts and Computer User Support Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 497,800 Computer Systems Analysts positions and 697,210 Computer User Support Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer User Support Specialists to Computer Systems Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Systems Analysts has a median salary of $103,790 while Computer User Support Specialists earns $60,340. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS