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The differences between computer assistants and computer support technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computer assistant and a computer support technician. Additionally, a computer assistant has an average salary of $47,077, which is higher than the $41,852 average annual salary of a computer support technician.
The top three skills for a computer assistant include computer equipment, software issues and customer support. The most important skills for a computer support technician are customer service, technical support, and computer support.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $47,077 | $41,852 |
| Hourly rate | $22.63 | $20.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 33,400 | 121,180 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 support technician is responsible for diagnosing and resolving computer and network issues, identifying the source of malfunctions, and improving infrastructure to avoid downtimes and operational delays. Computer support technicians manage the efficiency of all equipment and peripherals for the computers, assist in installing components, and keeping adequate resources or alternatives for defective items. They also recommend minimal costs technology materials and create troubleshooting manuals for reference, ensuring that the network processes adhere to internal guidelines and regulations.
Computer assistants and computer support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $47,077 | $41,852 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $83,000 | Between $34,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Lompoc, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a computer assistant and a computer support technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between computer assistants' and computer support technicians' demographics:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2% | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |