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The differences between assistive technology specialists and computer technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an assistive technology specialist and a computer technician. Additionally, an assistive technology specialist has an average salary of $52,611, which is higher than the $39,767 average annual salary of a computer technician.
The top three skills for an assistive technology specialist include rehabilitation, adaptive and technical support. The most important skills for a computer technician are customer service, desk support, and network printers.
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $52,611 | $39,767 |
| Hourly rate | $25.29 | $19.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 121,308 | 95,688 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An Assistive Technology Specialist helps clients to obtain assistive devices that fit their needs. They facilitate access to these devices by maintaining an open communication line with clients and staff, handling calls and correspondence, arranging appointments, answering inquiries, and explaining services to potential clients. Besides helping clients obtain equipment and services, they also provide technical support and assistance to meet their needs, making them feel at ease every step of the way. Moreover, an Assistive Technology Specialist must keep extensive records and implement standards and policies.
Computer technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs. Computer technicians handle the maintenance and repair of both software and hardware of computers. They should be able to quickly pinpoint the causes of computer problems that the client encounters. They should also be able to answer the clients' computer-related inquiries and provide advice on proper computer handling. Computer technicians should have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Assistive technology specialists and computer technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Average salary | $52,611 | $39,767 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $71,000 | Between $28,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | Dover, DE | Alexandria, VA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | Virginia |
| Best paying company | CENTER FOR SIGHT | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Government |
There are a few differences between an assistive technology specialist and a computer technician in terms of educational background:
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between assistive technology specialists' and computer technicians' demographics:
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.8% Female, 60.2% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 10.6% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |