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The differences between computer assistants and desk 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 desk support technician. Additionally, a computer assistant has an average salary of $47,077, which is higher than the $40,715 average annual salary of a desk support technician.
The top three skills for a computer assistant include computer equipment, software issues and customer support. The most important skills for a desk support technician are customer service, technical support, and troubleshoot.
| Computer Assistant | Desk Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $47,077 | $40,715 |
| Hourly rate | $22.63 | $19.57 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 33,400 | 130,485 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| 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 desktop support technician is responsible for assisting end-users with their network issues, grant authorization requests, and create user accounts. Desktop support technicians maintain the safety and security of networks, preventing unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of database information. They also handle the software configurations and upgrading the network infrastructure to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. A desktop support technician must have excellent communication and technical skills to monitor systems performance and enhance network navigation.
Computer assistants and desk support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Assistant | Desk Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $47,077 | $40,715 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $83,000 | Between $26,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Bristol-Myers Squibb | BNY Mellon |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer assistant and a desk support technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Assistant | Desk Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer assistants' and desk support technicians' demographics:
| Computer Assistant | Desk Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
| 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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |