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The differences between computer analysts and help desk analysts 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 help desk analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer analyst has an average salary of $75,852, which is higher than the $37,318 average annual salary of a help desk analyst.
The top three skills for a computer analyst include computer system, troubleshoot and C++. The most important skills for a help desk analyst are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $75,852 | $37,318 |
| Hourly rate | $36.47 | $17.94 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,369 | 87,591 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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.
Help Desk Analysts generally provide technical support by assisting customers with their system issues. These analysts are expected to be highly knowledgeable about application processes and basic troubleshooting. Help Desk Analysts usually communicate with end-users through phone calls or e-mail and are required to attend on customers technical issues promptly. Depending on the expertise, the Help Desk Analysts are often categorized to support levels wherein the most complex issues are often handle by the highest tier. The Help Desk Analysts must have critical-thinking skills on solving network problems and document specific concerns and progress.
Computer analysts and help desk analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Average salary | $75,852 | $37,318 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $99,000 | Between $26,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Citi | Pacific Investment Management Company LLC |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a computer analyst and a help desk analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Information Systems |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer analysts' and help desk analysts' demographics:
| Computer Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| 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, 12.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |