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The differences between computer assistants and computer analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer assistant, becoming a computer analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer analyst has an average salary of $75,852, which is higher than the $47,077 average annual salary of a computer assistant.
The top three skills for a computer assistant include computer equipment, software issues and customer support. The most important skills for a computer analyst are computer system, troubleshoot, and C++.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $47,077 | $75,852 |
| Hourly rate | $22.63 | $36.47 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 33,400 | 75,369 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
Also referred to as customer support staff or technical support, a computer assistant describes and solves technical problems associated with computer systems and programs. Computer assistants provide telephone-based and on-site assistance to clients and customers. They use their communication and technical skills to help users with their computer troubleshooting problems. While some of them work in call centers, communicate via email or through online chat. It is also their responsibility to install and upgrade the computer software and hardware systems of their employer.
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.
Computer assistants and computer analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Analyst | |
| Average salary | $47,077 | $75,852 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $83,000 | Between $57,000 And $99,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Washington |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer assistant and a computer analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer assistants' and computer analysts' demographics:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2% | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 14.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |