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The differences between computer specialists and computer consultants 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 specialist and a computer consultant. Additionally, a computer consultant has an average salary of $94,331, which is higher than the $75,950 average annual salary of a computer specialist.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for a computer consultant are technical support, database, and linux.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $94,331 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $45.35 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 79,263 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A computer specialist's responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing computer hardware and software. They meet with clients to identify their needs, examine and troubleshoot equipment, perform upgrades, and discuss the extent of repairs or replacements to clients. In a company setting, a computer specialist is in charge of overseeing an array of equipment, conducting regular maintenance checks, and performing corrective measures as needed. Furthermore, they must provide technical support, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
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.
Computer specialists and computer consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Consultant | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $94,331 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $67,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Novartis |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and a computer consultant in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and computer consultants' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Consultant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |