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Computer consultant vs technical specialist

The differences between computer consultants and technical specialists 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 a technical specialist. Additionally, a computer consultant has an average salary of $94,331, which is higher than the $88,773 average annual salary of a technical specialist.

The top three skills for a computer consultant include technical support, database and linux. The most important skills for a technical specialist are customer service, technical support, and patients.

Computer consultant vs technical specialist overview

Computer ConsultantTechnical Specialist
Yearly salary$94,331$88,773
Hourly rate$45.35$42.68
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs79,263121,151
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
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 a technical specialist do?

The role of technical specialists is to provide technical support for applications and programs to staff members and customers within an organization. They train staff and customers on products and apps and offer advice on the best practices for utilizing technical programs and applications. They also design training materials to teach other staff members the most effective methods of using its technology. It is also their job to reduce company costs by looking for ways to improve productivity and lessen expenses.

Computer consultant vs technical specialist salary

Computer consultants and technical specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer ConsultantTechnical Specialist
Average salary$94,331$88,773
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $131,000Between $62,000 And $126,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaDelaware
Best paying companyNovartisFinnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between computer consultant and technical specialist education

There are a few differences between a computer consultant and a technical specialist in terms of educational background:

Computer ConsultantTechnical Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Computer consultant vs technical specialist demographics

Here are the differences between computer consultants' and technical specialists' demographics:

Computer ConsultantTechnical Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 78.2% Female, 21.8%Male, 71.2% Female, 28.8%
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, 10.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 12.5% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer consultant and technical specialist 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

Technical specialist example responsibilities.

  • Install and manage LAN/WAN using TCP/IP protocol.
  • Manage the development of a customize ERP system for the client.
  • Design and manage studies for alternative API qualification for commercial products.
  • Lead and assist in troubleshooting problems and assure appropriate communication with physicians and patients.
  • Manage customer complaints and internal GMP audits for product manufacturing, coordinate FDA audits and recommend corrective actions.
  • Develop HTML, CSS, JavaScript for commercial websites.
  • Show more

Computer consultant vs technical specialist skills

Common computer consultant skills
  • Technical Support, 11%
  • Database, 6%
  • Linux, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Desk Support, 5%
  • Microsoft Windows, 4%
Common technical specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Technical Support, 6%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 4%
  • C++, 4%

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