Software Developers vs Computer Systems Analysts
Median pay is about $30k higher for Software Developers. Both usually start with the same education: bachelor's.
marks the higher pay or growth. Education, difficulty and the AI rows depend on what you want, so they are not marked.
| Measure | Software Developers | Computer Systems Analysts |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | ||
| Median pay | $135,980, higher | $105,850 |
| Entry pay 25th percentile | $105,210, higher | $82,860 |
| Experienced pay 75th percentile | $171,980, higher | $134,110 |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | ||
| Projected growth | +10% Growing fast, higher | +7.9% Growing fast |
| Openings a year | 95,300 | 32,900 |
| Getting in | ||
| Typical education | Bachelor's | Bachelor's |
| Difficulty modeled | 2.2 / 5 | 2.4 / 5 |
| AI | ||
| Displacement risk modeled | Very high | Very high |
| AI exposure modeled, percentile | 99th pct | 98th pct |
Skills
Both lean on the same top skills: critical thinking, reading comprehension, active learning, active listening, writing, speaking.
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Pay and outlook: BLS (OEWS 2025, Employment Projections 2025-2035). Skills: O*NET 30.3. Difficulty, displacement risk and AI exposure are modeled estimates. How these numbers are made.