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The differences between computer specialists and computer 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 technician. Additionally, a computer specialist has an average salary of $75,950, which is higher than the $39,767 average annual salary of a computer technician.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for a computer technician are customer service, desk support, and network printers.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $39,767 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $19.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 95,688 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| 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 technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs. Computer technicians handle the maintenance and repair of both software and hardware of computers. They should be able to quickly pinpoint the causes of computer problems that the client encounters. They should also be able to answer the clients' computer-related inquiries and provide advice on proper computer handling. Computer technicians should have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Computer specialists and computer technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $39,767 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $28,000 And $55,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Alexandria, VA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Apple | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Government |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and a computer technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and computer technicians' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Computer Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% |
| 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, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |