Mid-Level

Data Processing Systems Analyst

The person who analyzes data processing systems — studying how data flows through an organization's applications, identifying bottlenecks or gaps, and recommending changes to make processing more reliable or capable.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
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Director
VP
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Work Personality
I
C
R
E
A
S
Investigativeanalytical, curious
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Data Processing Systems Analysts
Employment concentration · ~362 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Data Processing Systems Analyst

Day-to-day tends to involve reviewing existing data flows, gathering user requirements, evaluating system performance, documenting findings, and supporting the implementation of recommended changes. You're often the person who actually understands where data comes from, where it goes, and what gets done to it along the way — knowledge that's rarely fully documented anywhere.

Coordination tends to happen with users, developers, database administrators, and the business stakeholders whose decisions depend on the data. Most of the value comes from synthesis — turning fragmented user complaints into a clear picture of what's actually wrong, then building agreement around what to do about it.

People who tend to thrive here are methodical, curious about how systems behave, and comfortable holding ambiguity while you investigate. If you want hands-on building or quick visible wins, the analytical pace can feel slow. If you find satisfaction in being the person whose understanding shapes what gets built, the role offers steady technical influence.

Working ConditionsAbove avg
AchievementAbove avg
RecognitionAbove avg
IndependenceAbove avg
SupportModerate
RelationshipsLower
O*NET Work Values survey
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Data Processing Systems Analysts (SOC 15-1211.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Data Processing Systems Analyst career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$63K–$166K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
498K
U.S. Employment
+8.7%
10yr Growth
34K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$80K$77K$74K$71K$68K201920202021202220232024$68K$80K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

SpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisActive ListeningActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingMonitoring
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
15-1211.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.