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The differences between computer assistants and computer systems 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 systems analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, 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 systems analyst are computer system, database, and C++.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $47,077 | $82,655 |
| Hourly rate | $22.63 | $39.74 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 33,400 | 118,439 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| 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 systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.
Computer assistants and computer systems analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Assistant | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average salary | $47,077 | $82,655 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $83,000 | Between $60,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Government | Professional |
There are a few differences between a computer assistant and a computer systems analyst in terms of educational background:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer assistants' and computer systems analysts' demographics:
| Computer Assistant | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2% | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% |
| 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, 10.9% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 8% |