Analysis
NAICS 54151 is the 2022 NAICS industry for computer systems design and related services, part of 5415 (Computer Systems Design and Related Services). Census lists 42 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 145,813 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 2,050,626 people at an average annual payroll of $122,296 per employee (92nd percentile of national industries). 73% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Census lists 7 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 54133, 44921, 42343 and 51321. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Across its national industries Census lists 42 index entries; typical ones are applications software programming services, custom computer, audio visual and IT (information technology) systems…, computer systems facilities (i.e., clients' facilities)… and computer disaster recovery services.
It splits into 4 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) with 68,051.
Its more detailed codes are 541511 Custom Computer Programming Services (68,051 establishments), 541512 Computer Systems Design Services (58,113 establishments), 541513 Computer Facilities Management Services (6,374 establishments) and 541519 Other Computer Related Services (13,275 establishments).
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing expertise in the field of information technologies through one or more of the following activities: (1) writing, modifying, testing, and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer; (2) planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies; (3) on-site management and operation of clients' computer systems and/or data processing facilities; and (4) other professional and technical computer related advice and services.
Illustrative Examples:
Computer facilities management services Custom computer programming services Computer systems integration design services Computer hardware or software consulting services Software installation services
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing robotics engineering design, integration, and related consulting services for industrial and manufacturing facilities and processes | 54133 Engineering Services |
| Retailing computer hardware or software products and systems and providing supporting services, such as customized assembly of personal computers | 44921 Electronics and Appliance Retailers |
| Merchant wholesaling computer hardware or software products and providing supporting services, such as customized assembly of personal computers | 42343 Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers |
| Software design, development, and publishing, or software publishing only | 51321 Software Publishers |
| Providing computer data processing services at their own facility for others | 51821 Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services |
| Providing computer training (except computer repair), such as programming, software, systems, and network management training | 61142 Computer Training |
| Repairing computer, computer peripheral, and communication equipment | 81121 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance |
Index entries (42)
- Applications software programming services, custom computer
- Audio visual and IT (information technology) systems integration design services
- Computer systems facilities (i.e., clients' facilities) management and operation services
- Computer disaster recovery services