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The differences between assistive technology specialists and information technology 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 an information technology specialist. Additionally, an information technology specialist has an average salary of $81,241, which is higher than the $52,611 average annual salary of an assistive technology specialist.
The top three skills for an assistive technology specialist include rehabilitation, adaptive and technical support. The most important skills for an information technology specialist are customer service, troubleshoot, and computer system.
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $52,611 | $81,241 |
| Hourly rate | $25.29 | $39.06 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 121,308 | 122,519 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| 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.
An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.
Assistive technology specialists and information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $52,611 | $81,241 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $71,000 | Between $58,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Dover, DE | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | California |
| Best paying company | CENTER FOR SIGHT | |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Technology |
There are a few differences between an assistive technology specialist and an information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between assistive technology specialists' and information technology specialists' demographics:
| Assistive Technology Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.8% Female, 60.2% | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% |
| 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, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 11.9% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |