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The differences between computer specialists and support 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 a support specialist. Additionally, a computer specialist has an average salary of $75,950, which is higher than the $40,782 average annual salary of a support specialist.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for a support specialist are customer service, patients, and mental health.
| Computer Specialist | Support Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $40,782 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $19.61 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 125,740 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| 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 support specialist is responsible for assisting technical and administrative support, depending on the business need. Support specialists must have extensive knowledge of the services of the organization they work for to assist customers with their inquiries and resolve complaints efficiently. A support specialist maintains documents of issue resolution, providing recommendations to improve business strategies and procedures. Support specialists must be well-versed on technology systems, perform basic troubleshooting, and secure databases. They should also have impeccable customer service and communication skills to attend with customers' needs and requests.
Computer specialists and support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Support Specialist | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $40,782 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $25,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New York |
| Best paying company | Apple | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and a support specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Support Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and support specialists' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Support Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6% |
| 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, 11.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |