What Does a Technology Analyst Do? A Career Overview and Guide

A technology analyst helps businesses and organizations by designing, creating, and running their information technology (IT) systems to meet their operational needs. It’s a role with a clear path for progression and an above-average salary. In this article, you can learn more about what a technology analyst does and the steps you can take to become one. 

What is the role of a technology analyst? 

Technology analysts are IT experts who create systems for businesses to support them in their goals. The role involves analyzing business needs to create a system used to monitor performance, conduct maintenance and upgrades, and continually adjust systems to improve functionality. 

Read more: Information Systems vs. Information Technology (IS vs. IT)

Tasks and responsibilities 

The tasks and responsibilities of a technology analyst vary according to the role, industry, and company you work for. However, in general, most technology analysts work on the following:

• Developing and implementing technical systems and system enhancements

• Understanding business needs and system requirements 

• Managing and maintaining computer systems and networks

• Researching business needs and adapting systems to match

• Recommending hardware, software, and applications

• Staying up to date on technology and trends

• Working to support the information technology team

What is the difference between a technology analyst and a software engineer?

Technology analysts and software engineers work in similar ways but have important differences. Technology analysts focus on building systems to support the needs of an organization, whereas software developers work on smaller projects within the larger scope, working to troubleshoot specific issues. 

What tools do technology analysts use? 

Technology analysts use a range of tools from programming languages to data visualization aids and accounting software. Some examples include:

• Cloud security

• Linux

• Risk assessments

• Java

• Sharepoint

• ITIL

• ERP

• VPN

• SAP HANA

• Javascript

• SQL

• Python

• Git

What skills do you need to become a technology analyst? 

To become a technology analyst, you need a variety of workplace and technical skills. Technical skills indicate your proficiency in the practical aspects of a role, while workplace skills are how you contribute to a positive and productive work environment. Examples include:

Workplace skills

• Customer service

• Communication

• Critical thinking

• Organization

• Time management

• Research skills

• Problem-solving

Technical skills

• Infrastructure

• Encryption

• Project management

• Data analysis

• Business analysis

• Cloud security

• Risk assessment

• Technical writing

• SQL

• Java

• Python

• Microsoft Excel

Read more: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference?

Salary and job outlook for a technology analyst

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a technology analyst in the US is $120,675 per year. This figure includes an average base salary of $91,898 and $28,777 in additional pay [1]. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have job outlook data specifically for a technology analyst but reports the job outlook for information technology occupations as having an above-average 15 percent growth rate from 2022 to 2032 [2].

How to become a technology analyst

Most employers require a certain level of education, experience, and some key skills for a technology analyst role. Let’s have a look in more detail at the suggested education, certifications, and experience you need to gain.

Education

While it is possible to work as a technology analyst without a degree, many employers expect a bachelor’s degree in a relevant major, such as computer science, information technology, or business. According to Glassdoor, 90 percent of technology analysts have a bachelor’s degree [3]. Those seeking more senior positions may opt for a master’s degree.

Certifications and certificates 

In addition to a degree in a relevant subject, studying for a certification greatly enhances your resume, shows that you have the essential skills needed for the role, and may set you apart from other job candidates. Some examples to consider include:

• The Google Project Management Professional Certificate

• Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Experience

Experience is an important way to demonstrate that you have the essential skills required for the job. Studying for a bachelor’s degree should help you learn and practice the skills you need. You can also gain relevant work experience through entry-level IT positions. 

Here is a breakdown of annual base salaries based on years of experience, according to Glassdoor [1]:

• 0–1 year of experience: $74,605

• 1–3 years of experience: $81,951

• 4–6 years of experience: $87,022

• 7–9 years of experience: $91,943

*All salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of March 2025.

Technology analyst career paths

Many technology analysts with relevant degrees gain experience in entry-level positions and work their way up. Some positions include analyst, systems engineer, and help desk operator.

Some advanced positions include systems analyst, developer, or network technician. These are great routes to eventually becoming a technology analyst.

Typically it can take anything from a few months to several years to become a technology analyst. Examples of a few paths you might take to become a technology analyst include:

• Systems engineer → Information technology consultant → Technology analyst

• Help desk analyst → Network technician → Technology analyst

• Software engineer → Quality assurance analyst → Technology analyst

• Technical support analyst → Service desk analyst → Technology analyst

Technology analyst career advancement

Progressing from a technology analyst to other roles is possible depending on how the technical and workplace skills you gain are transferable to more senior positions with experience. Some options include:

• Information technology lead: $106,493

• Senior business analyst: $105,922

• Software engineer: $109,960

• Infrastructure manager: $113,005

• Information technology director: $148,456

Industries that hire technology analysts

Technology analysts work in a range of industries where information technology systems are built. Here are some of the main industries employing technology analysts, with the average annual salary for each, according to Zippia [4]:

• Technology: $94,506

• Manufacturing: $91,018

• Finance: $88,136

• Hospitality: $87,172

• Professional: $84,122

• Health care: $78,114

• Government: $75,426

Get started today

Are you looking at starting a career as a technology analyst? If you don’t have a degree or are looking to boost your resume, you might consider an online course on Coursera. Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a great option. This program covers technical support fundamentals, system administration, IT infrastructure, and more. Upon completion gain exclusive access to career resources like resume review, interview prep, and career support. 

If you haven’t earned a bachelor's degree yet, an online degree such as the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London could be an excellent option. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of London

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