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The differences between computer specialists and information systems technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a computer specialist, becoming an information systems technician takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a computer specialist has an average salary of $75,950, which is higher than the $46,346 average annual salary of an information systems technician.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for an information systems technician are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Specialist | Information Systems Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $46,346 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $22.28 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 173,424 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
An information systems technician is responsible for maintaining the efficiency of various network systems' performance. Information systems technicians provide network troubleshooting, upgrading systems for optimization, maintaining the security of databases, managing the interaction of networks, and inspecting and troubleshooting system inconsistencies. Additional duties include creating network designs based on clients' specifications, configuring software and hardware applications, and creating reports on system issues and resolutions. An information systems technician must have excellent knowledge of information systems procedures, programming languages, detecting malfunctions, and making resolutions promptly.
Computer specialists and information systems technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Information Systems Technician | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $46,346 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $28,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Rahway, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Apple | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Government |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and an information systems technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Information Systems Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and information systems technicians' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Information Systems Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 73.6% Female, 26.4% |
| 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, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |