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The differences between computer specialists and systems 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 systems support specialist. Additionally, a computer specialist has an average salary of $75,950, which is higher than the $61,744 average annual salary of a systems support specialist.
The top three skills for a computer specialist include data entry, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for a systems support specialist are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Specialist | Systems Support Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,950 | $61,744 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $29.68 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 75,054 | 159,364 |
| 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.
A systems support specialist is responsible for assisting end-users on system issues, including network configuration and improving network infrastructure. System support specialists implement network strategies alongside the whole technology team to boost the system's efficiency and optimal performance. They create resolution reports for reference and write recommendations to prevent system defects and inconsistencies. A systems support specialist also handles network installations and upgrades, requiring them to have excellent technical skills and knowledge of programming languages.
Computer specialists and systems support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Specialist | Systems Support Specialist | |
| Average salary | $75,950 | $61,744 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $97,000 | Between $41,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Centreville, VA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Apple | Koch Industries |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer specialist and a systems support specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Specialist | Systems Support 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 support specialists' demographics:
| Computer Specialist | Systems Support Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2% | Male, 73.4% Female, 26.6% |
| 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, 11.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 10.6% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |