Computer Systems Analysts vs Software Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Software Developers professionals earn $29,290 more per year than Computer Systems Analysts professionals — that's 28.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Systems Analysts earns $166,030 compared to $211,450 for Software Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Systems Analysts$63,160 – $166,030
Software Developers$79,850 – $211,450
$63,160$211,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Systems Analysts | Software Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,160 | $79,850 | $-16,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,900 | $103,050 | $-22,150 |
| Median (50th) | $103,790 | $133,080 | $-29,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,360 | $169,000 | $-36,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,030 | $211,450 | $-45,420 |
| Mean (Average) | $111,960 | $144,570 | $-32,610 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Systems Analysts
497,800
employed nationwide
Software Developers
1,654,440
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 Software Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $161,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Systems Analysts or Software Developers?
Software Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $29,290 (28.2% 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 Software Developers?
Software Developers salaries range from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $133,080.
How many Computer Systems Analysts and Software Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 497,800 Computer Systems Analysts positions and 1,654,440 Software Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Developers to Computer Systems Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Systems Analysts has a median salary of $103,790 while Software Developers earns $133,080. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS