Wage watchers: how much does a systems analyst earn?

Systems analyst Jean-Pierre Delacre, 27, from Brussels talks about what he earns and how he spends it

What do you do for a living?

I work as a systems analyst for Smals, the ICT arm of our social security and healthcare system. I analyse our clients’ needs and translate these into concrete, technically feasible proposals. My colleagues then ensure their implementation. Usually this involves websites or web applications such as Famipedia.be, SocialeZekerheid.be and SecuriteSociale.be or Smals’ own website.

Do you enjoy your work?

I particularly the contact with the customers. Typically, someone has a specific problem or need, and I look for ways to help them. I’m not a developer myself, but I am the one that everyone goes to. And there is a nice working atmosphere with great colleagues; I think that is important.

What do you think of your salary?

I take home €2,500 and I get meal tickets, eco-cheques, a pension plan plus the complete reimbursement of my transport costs. I am very satisfied with my salary, which I think is very good compared to the market average.

How many hours a week do you work?

We work on average 40 hours a week. There are times when we just have a little more work, but in general we have little overtime – which we can recoup anyway. The balance between my work and my family life is very good. And we have job security, which is not to be sniffed at.

Do you save?

No. My salary is pretty high, but I have a wife and child and my rent is very high, so I have little left at the end of the month. Rent in Brussels is expensive; I live in Etterbeek, which is in the middle, price-wise.

What do you gladly pay for?

Travelling. I will happily go anywhere in Europe. I like to go away for four or five days every two months to have a break, and then we have one or two ‘big’ holidays a year. We go to Bulgaria the most, because that’s where my wife is from.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I think I would carry on working, but I would possibly become self-employed. This would allow me to stay involved in IT, but I could develop personal projects.

(bvdb)