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The differences between computer specialists and computer support 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 support technician. Additionally, a computer specialist has an average salary of $75,950, which is higher than the $41,852 average annual salary of a computer support technician.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for a computer support technician are customer service, technical support, and computer support.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $41,852 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $20.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 121,180 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| 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 support technician is responsible for diagnosing and resolving computer and network issues, identifying the source of malfunctions, and improving infrastructure to avoid downtimes and operational delays. Computer support technicians manage the efficiency of all equipment and peripherals for the computers, assist in installing components, and keeping adequate resources or alternatives for defective items. They also recommend minimal costs technology materials and create troubleshooting manuals for reference, ensuring that the network processes adhere to internal guidelines and regulations.
Computer specialists and computer support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $41,852 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $34,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Lompoc, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and a computer support technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and computer support technicians' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% |
| 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, 10.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |