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The differences between computer specialists and systems 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 systems specialist. Additionally, a systems specialist has an average salary of $86,020, 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 a systems specialist are customer service, veterans, and troubleshoot.
| Computer Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $86,020 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $41.36 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 127,812 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| 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.
Systems specialists are professionals who maintain, troubleshoot, and install information and computer systems. They identify the software, data, and hardware needs of companies. Generally, they work in physically demanding indoor environments installing complicated networks. They manage, lead, and coordinate technical support for new software, upgrades, and products. Also, they configure systems for the users and assess data from different sources to make a decision.
Computer specialists and systems specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $86,020 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $61,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and a systems specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer specialists' and systems specialists' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Systems Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8% |
| 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, 16.4% Asian, 10.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |