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The differences between computer specialists and computer repair 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 specialist and a computer repair technician. Additionally, a computer specialist has an average salary of $75,950, which is higher than the $32,627 average annual salary of a computer repair technician.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for a computer repair technician are troubleshoot, laptop computers, and computer system.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Repair Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $32,627 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $15.69 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 109,196 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| 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.
A computer repair technician installs, repairs, and maintains different computer equipment. Computer repair technicians repair and maintain computers and their servers. The technicians are responsible for configuring and building new hardware as well as installing and updating software packages. They have to be updated on the ever-evolving technology for certain job analysis and troubleshooting. Good computer repair technicians are investigative who are introspective, inquisitive, and intellectual. They are also methodical, logical, rational, and curious.
Computer specialists and computer repair technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Repair Technician | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $32,627 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $25,000 And $41,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Saint Paul, MN |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Apple | Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and a computer repair technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Repair Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and computer repair technicians' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Repair Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 10.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 10.7% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |