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The differences between computer analysts and computer support specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a computer analyst, becoming a computer support specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer analyst has an average salary of $75,852, which is higher than the $63,926 average annual salary of a computer support specialist.
The top three skills for a computer analyst include computer system, troubleshoot and C++. The most important skills for a computer support specialist are computer support, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,852 | $63,926 |
| Hourly rate | $36.47 | $30.73 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,369 | 114,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A computer analyst is responsible for generating technical solutions to improve operational efficiency and processes. Computer analysts create models for system applications and perform upgrades on software and hardware networks to boost optimization. They also develop strategic methods to enhance the performance of existing systems and identify inconsistencies for immediate resolution. A computer analyst must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in managing the security of computer data and setting the configuration and accessibility of networks for authorized users.
A Computer Support Specialist is responsible for providing the highest customer service for clients with technical and system issues, resolving network failures, and creating support tickets for IT personnel. Computer Support Specialists utilize various system tools and applications to diagnose end-users network issues and conduct immediate troubleshooting. They also help the IT staff design and improve system features and infrastructures and create instructional manuals for deliverables. A Computer Support Specialist must have excellent technical and communication skills to document customers' requests and identify system solutions.
Computer analysts and computer support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Average salary | $75,852 | $63,926 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $99,000 | Between $44,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Citi | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer analyst and a computer support specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer analysts' and computer support specialists' demographics:
| Computer Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% | Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 11.2% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |