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The differences between assistive technology specialists and field specialists 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 field specialist. Additionally, an assistive technology specialist has an average salary of $52,611, which is higher than the $49,496 average annual salary of a field specialist.
The top three skills for an assistive technology specialist include rehabilitation, adaptive and technical support. The most important skills for a field specialist are customer service, troubleshoot, and work ethic.
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Field Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $52,611 | $49,496 |
| Hourly rate | $25.29 | $23.80 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 121,308 | 101,348 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| 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.
The duties of a field specialist depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In a retail setting, their responsibilities revolve around securing sales by offering products or services to consumers through appointments, walk-ins, calls, or correspondence. They typically participate in developing sales programs, maintain records of all transactions, answer inquiries, and handle any issues or concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a field specialist, it is essential to devise strategies that will boost product sales, all while upholding the company's policies and regulations.
Assistive technology specialists and field specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Field Specialist | |
| Average salary | $52,611 | $49,496 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $71,000 | Between $30,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Dover, DE | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | California |
| Best paying company | CENTER FOR SIGHT | LUFKIN Industries |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Energy |
There are a few differences between an assistive technology specialist and a field specialist in terms of educational background:
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Field Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between assistive technology specialists' and field specialists' demographics:
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Field Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.8% Female, 60.2% | Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0% |
| 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, 11.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |