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The differences between computer specialists and installation 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 installation specialist. Additionally, a computer specialist has an average salary of $75,950, which is higher than the $49,602 average annual salary of an installation specialist.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for an installation specialist are customer service, ladders, and scaffolding.
| Computer Specialist | Installation Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $49,602 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $23.85 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 103,003 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| 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.
Installation specialists are skilled employees who are responsible for installing various equipment, machinery, and computer systems for a company or clients. These specialists must work with HVAC contractors to install air-conditioning ductwork and materials in business establishments and homes. They should recommend corrective action when identifying electrical and environmental deficiencies to ensure optimized performance and reliability of equipment. Installation specialists must also test hardware and software to determine its efficiency and reliability as well as its compatibility with the existing system.
Computer specialists and installation specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Installation Specialist | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $49,602 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $33,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Apple | Technip USA Corporation |
| Best paying industry | Professional | - |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and an installation specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Installation Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and installation specialists' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Installation Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 10.1% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |