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The differences between computer specialists and information technology specialists 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 an information technology specialist. Additionally, an information technology specialist has an average salary of $81,241, 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 an information technology specialist are customer service, troubleshoot, and computer system.
| Computer Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $81,241 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $39.06 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 122,519 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| 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.
An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.
Computer specialists and information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $81,241 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $58,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and an information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and information technology specialists' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% |
| 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, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 11.9% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |