What is a systems consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Robin Cormier
introduction image

If a business is having trouble optimizing their information technology systems, they turn to systems consultants for help. A systems consultant is a business professional that helps businesses design, plan, install, and implement IT systems. That said, most of their work process is spent on analyzing business systems, researching possible solutions, and making recommendations to clients based on their findings.

Other job duties of a systems consultant also typically include training personnel on newly installed software or hardware, leading hardware or software configuration management, and monitoring the implementation of new systems. A systems consultant may also offer other tech services, such as web design or configuration audit.

Usually, you would need a degree in business, computer science, or something else relevant before you can qualify for this job position. More than that, you would also need to prove that you have adequate experience working with different types of IT systems, programming languages, software and hardware installation, and other related aspects.

Despite these moderately high requirements, the job of a systems consultant pays well, with an average salary of $87,000 annually.

What general advice would you give to a Systems Consultant?

R

Robin Cormier

Assistant Professor, Montana State University - Billings

While college graduates begin to launch their careers, they also face uncertainty about job opportunities. This can be a daunting time in their life. First and foremost, they should be proud of their achievements. There are many steps they can take to prepare for a future career, such as developing a network and building a strong resume. However, in my opinion, the most important advice I would offer new graduates is to pursue their passion. When you are passionate about your career, your life is more fulfilling, and you are more determined to achieve success. Passion shows through how you communicate, develop working relationships, and your level of career investment.
ScoreSystems ConsultantUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $99,659

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.3

Growth Rate 9%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 14.61%

Black or African American 10.16%

Hispanic or Latino 10.94%

Unknown 5.00%

White 59.09%

Gender

female 24.71%

male 75.29%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.5

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.8

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Systems Consultant career paths

Key steps to become a systems consultant

  1. Explore systems consultant education requirements

    Most common systems consultant degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.8 %

    Master's

    13.9 %

    Associate

    11.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems consultant skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Infrastructure6.44%
    Project Management6.44%
    C++4.98%
    C #4.98%
    Azure4.60%
  3. Complete relevant systems consultant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems consultants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems consultant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems consultant resumes.
  4. Research systems consultant duties and responsibilities

    • Lead a training initiative to educate and transition mainframe programmers to using Java, object-orient design, and XML.
    • Work on implementing new upgrade framework used to manage upgrading cloud infrastructure services using python.
    • Web design services scripting in CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
    • Work with customers and vendors to design and implement Virtualization products for data centers (VCE, VMware, EMC).
  5. Prepare your systems consultant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems consultant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems consultant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Systems Consultant Resume templates

    Build a professional Systems Consultant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Systems Consultant resume.
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  6. Apply for systems consultant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a systems consultant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Systems Consultant Job

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Average systems consultant salary

The average Systems Consultant salary in the United States is $99,659 per year or $48 per hour. Systems consultant salaries range between $74,000 and $134,000 per year.

Average Systems Consultant Salary
$99,659 Yearly
$47.91 hourly

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How do systems consultants rate their job?

-/5

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Systems Consultant reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

As it seeks to solve problems in innovative way

Cons

It needs more patience to apply the true solution and satisfy your client


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Variety of clients and challenges. Ability to solve diffcult probepms and to mentor others.

Cons

Marketing during and between projects. Work is not always steady.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

Getting Information Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Analyzing Data or Information Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Cons

Not being able to provide support immediately to customers


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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