NAICS 5415

Computer Systems Design & Related Services

Computer systems design and IT services industry overview. Learn about custom software development, systems integration, IT consulting, and related professional technology services.

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 5415 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
2.1M
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
146K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$250.8B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$122,296
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$600.6B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Computer systems design and related services (NAICS 5415) encompasses establishments engaged in planning, designing, and implementing information technology systems for businesses and organizations. This includes systems integration, custom software development, IT consulting, web design and development, data management services, and network architecture. The industry serves as a critical backbone for digital transformation across all economic sectors, enabling organizations to use technology for competitive advantage, operational efficiency, and to stay current with technological advancement. Firms in this industry range from small boutique consultancies to large multinational systems integrators, serving diverse client bases from startups to Fortune 500 companies across virtually every industry vertical.

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Industry Trends

01

Cloud computing migration and multi-cloud strategy services continue to drive significant demand as enterprises move away from on-premise infrastructure and seek expertise in managing complex cloud environments.

02

Cybersecurity and data protection services are experiencing accelerating growth due to increasing regulatory requirements, rising threat sophistication, and organizational recognition of security as a critical business imperative.

03

Artificial intelligence and machine learning integration projects are becoming mainstream, with firms developing capabilities to help clients implement AI systems for automation, analytics, and competitive differentiation.

04

Remote and distributed team models have become permanent in the industry, enabling firms to access global talent pools and allowing clients to benefit from specialized expertise regardless of geographic location.

05

Managed services and outcome-based pricing models are gaining traction as clients increasingly prefer predictable costs, managed risk, and service level agreements over traditional project-based engagements.

Available Reports

1 industry report available for purchase under Computer Systems Design & Related Services.

Industries

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 5415? ▾
NAICS 5415 is the industry classification for computer systems design and related services, covering establishments that provide IT consulting, systems integration, software development, network design, web services, and other technology-enabled business services. These firms help organizations plan, design, develop, implement, and support customized information technology systems tailored to their specific business needs.
What types of services do companies in this industry provide? ▾
Companies provide a wide array of services including IT strategy consulting, systems integration, custom software development, application development, infrastructure design, network architecture, database design and management, web design and development, IT project management, IT staffing and professional services, and managed IT services. They may specialize in particular industries, technologies, or service areas depending on their expertise and market positioning.
How does this industry differ from software publishing (NAICS 5112)? ▾
Software publishing (NAICS 5112) focuses on creating and licensing off-the-shelf software products and applications for broad markets, while computer systems design (NAICS 5415) focuses on customized services tailored to specific client needs. Systems design firms typically provide consulting, integration, and implementation services rather than developing packaged software products for commercial distribution.
What qualifications and skills are most valuable in this industry? ▾
Key qualifications include technical certifications (such as cloud provider certifications, security credentials, or software development certifications), degree credentials in computer science or related fields, and deep expertise in specific technologies and platforms. Equally important are soft skills including project management, client communication, problem-solving, and business acumen, as consultants must translate technical capabilities into business value for clients.
What are the primary drivers of growth in computer systems design services? ▾
Growth is driven by ongoing digital transformation across all industries, increasing complexity of IT infrastructure, rising cybersecurity threats, regulatory compliance requirements, demand for cloud migration services, adoption of emerging technologies like AI and IoT, and organizational needs for specialized expertise that exceeds internal capabilities. As technology evolves and business models change, demand for external consulting and systems design expertise remains consistently strong.

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