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Computer networker vs help desk administrator

The differences between computer networkers and help desk administrators 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 networker and a help desk administrator. Additionally, a computer networker has an average salary of $71,766, which is higher than the $49,798 average annual salary of a help desk administrator.

The top three skills for a computer networker include switches, DNS and TCP/IP. The most important skills for a help desk administrator are customer service, desk support, and troubleshoot.

Computer networker vs help desk administrator overview

Computer NetworkerHelp Desk Administrator
Yearly salary$71,766$49,798
Hourly rate$34.50$23.94
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs30,066130,180
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Computer networker vs help desk administrator salary

Computer networkers and help desk administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer NetworkerHelp Desk Administrator
Average salary$71,766$49,798
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $99,000Between $34,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew Jersey
Best paying companyAmazonHoulihan Lokey
Best paying industryHospitalityFinance

Differences between computer networker and help desk administrator education

There are a few differences between a computer networker and a help desk administrator in terms of educational background:

Computer NetworkerHelp Desk Administrator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityStanford University

Computer networker vs help desk administrator demographics

Here are the differences between computer networkers' and help desk administrators' demographics:

Computer NetworkerHelp Desk Administrator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 88.2% Female, 11.8%Male, 74.3% Female, 25.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 13.7% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 8.8% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between computer networker and help desk administrator duties and responsibilities

Computer networker example responsibilities.

  • Design, install, configure and manage Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop environment.
  • Install and configure switches, routers, and servers in racks and provide physical connections to the LAN's on-site.
  • Support and maintain VoIP phones.
  • Gain familiarity with TCP/IP, network protocols and Linux operating system.
  • Configure TCP/IP addressing on client PCs; as well as DHCP server.
  • Deploy, sustain, troubleshoot and repair standard voice, data and video network infrastructure.
  • Show more

Help desk administrator example responsibilities.

  • Create, deploy and manage VMWare virtual desktops as well as configured customize pools for specific operational needs.
  • Manage the PC refresh program transferring all user data remotely and installing require software applications.
  • Configure, establish and manage local area network (LAN) connectivity and remote access per customer configuration requirements.
  • Administer DNS / DHCP servers, work with network administer to make sure the tables are updating correctly.
  • Administer IP address allocation through DHCP management.
  • Assist in the deployment of new POS applications and hardware.
  • Show more

Computer networker vs help desk administrator skills

Common computer networker skills
  • Switches, 12%
  • DNS, 11%
  • TCP/IP, 10%
  • Encryption, 9%
  • Firewall, 8%
  • Windows Server, 7%
Common help desk administrator skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Desk Support, 7%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Phone Calls, 4%
  • Remote Desktop, 4%

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