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Computer consultant vs information technology technician

The differences between computer consultants and information technology 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 consultant and an information technology technician. Additionally, a computer consultant has an average salary of $94,331, which is higher than the $49,031 average annual salary of an information technology technician.

The top three skills for a computer consultant include technical support, database and linux. The most important skills for an information technology technician are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Computer consultant vs information technology technician overview

Computer ConsultantInformation Technology Technician
Yearly salary$94,331$49,031
Hourly rate$45.35$23.57
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs79,263118,881
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a computer consultant do?

Computer Consultants assist a company's staff with computer system usage and issues. Computer consultants can be software programmers, hardware system installers, networking specialists, database specialists, and others.

What does an information technology technician do?

An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.

Computer consultant vs information technology technician salary

Computer consultants and information technology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer ConsultantInformation Technology Technician
Average salary$94,331$49,031
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $131,000Between $28,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAUrban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyNovartisCravath
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between computer consultant and information technology technician education

There are a few differences between a computer consultant and an information technology technician in terms of educational background:

Computer ConsultantInformation Technology Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Computer consultant vs information technology technician demographics

Here are the differences between computer consultants' and information technology technicians' demographics:

Computer ConsultantInformation Technology Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 78.2% Female, 21.8%Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 13.2% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.8% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer consultant and information technology technician duties and responsibilities

Computer consultant example responsibilities.

  • Manage hardware design, install custom Linux desktop operating system, integrate software written in C++.
  • Manage configuration and connectivity of customer virtual networks through VMware tools.
  • Convert existing VHS tapes into digital clips to use in Powerpoint.
  • Install and configure AcuConnect on the LINUX servers for thin client access from windows.
  • Diagnose connection to the on-campus networks and services through OS, VPN and/or proxy configuration.
  • Create, design and maintain web sites for small businesses using (HTML/DHTML, JavaScript, Perl/CGI )
  • Show more

Information technology technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and execute project to remotely upgrade VPN clients
  • Manage incoming tickets and incidents in remedy and troubleshooting.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Analyze and maintain OS and domain account information across systems to ensure efficient and security workstations and virtual computing environments.
  • Provide implementation coordination, vendor management, and training for voice over IP project (VOIP).
  • Work on multiple projects dealing with VMware, server installation, computer repair, web design, and networking.
  • Show more

Computer consultant vs information technology technician skills

Common computer consultant skills
  • Technical Support, 11%
  • Database, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Desk Support, 5%
  • Microsoft Windows, 4%
Common information technology technician skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Desk Support, 4%
  • Computer System, 3%
  • Network Printers, 3%

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