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Computer support analyst vs desktop support specialist

The differences between computer support analysts and desktop 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 support analyst and a desktop support specialist. Additionally, a computer support analyst has an average salary of $45,287, which is higher than the $44,962 average annual salary of a desktop support specialist.

The top three skills for a computer support analyst include technical support, computer system and desk support. The most important skills for a desktop support specialist are customer service, desktop support, and troubleshoot.

Computer support analyst vs desktop support specialist overview

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Specialist
Yearly salary$45,287$44,962
Hourly rate$21.77$21.62
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs105,836102,191
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Computer support analyst vs desktop support specialist salary

Computer support analysts and desktop support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Specialist
Average salary$45,287$44,962
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $61,000Between $33,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityStanford, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companyStanford UniversityCornerstone Research
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between computer support analyst and desktop support specialist education

There are a few differences between a computer support analyst and a desktop support specialist in terms of educational background:

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorComputer Information SystemsComputer Science
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Computer support analyst vs desktop support specialist demographics

Here are the differences between computer support analysts' and desktop support specialists' demographics:

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 74.8% Female, 25.2%Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 12.3% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer support analyst and desktop support specialist duties and responsibilities

Computer support analyst example responsibilities.

  • Install, configure and manage proprietary applications on Unix servers.
  • Install an OS as an upgrade, clean install or a dual boot.
  • Implement and maintain VPN remote access systems and accounts.
  • Configure VPN, remote access, and other applications; train clients on proper software operation.
  • Assist patients by explaining necessary preparations, reviewing charts after discharge and determining eligibility for medication at government's expense.
  • Configure and assign IP addresses, DNS entries, and VLANs for department devices.
  • Show more

Desktop support specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage computer assets utilizing Symantec Altiris.
  • Manage schedule software/Security patch upgrades via SCCM.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Deploy McAfee anti-virus tools across enterprise.
  • Automate fixes for common errors using Powershell and batch scripting.
  • Document software processes and core conversion software installations for VDI.
  • Show more

Computer support analyst vs desktop support specialist skills

Common computer support analyst skills
  • Technical Support, 11%
  • Computer System, 8%
  • Desk Support, 7%
  • Computer Support, 7%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 5%
Common desktop support specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Desktop Support, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • PC, 6%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • SCCM, 3%

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