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Computer support analyst vs desktop support technician

The differences between computer support analysts and desktop support technicians 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 technician. Additionally, a computer support analyst has an average salary of $45,287, which is higher than the $41,792 average annual salary of a desktop support technician.

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 technician are customer service, desktop support, and troubleshoot.

Computer support analyst vs desktop support technician overview

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Technician
Yearly salary$45,287$41,792
Hourly rate$21.77$20.09
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs105,836108,944
Job satisfaction-1
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Computer support analyst vs desktop support technician salary

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

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Technician
Average salary$45,287$41,792
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $61,000Between $32,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityStanford, CAPhiladelphia, PA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaPennsylvania
Best paying companyStanford UniversityNTT Data International L.L.C.
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between computer support analyst and desktop support technician education

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

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorComputer Information SystemsComputer Information Systems
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Computer support analyst vs desktop support technician demographics

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

Computer Support AnalystDesktop Support Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 74.8% Female, 25.2%Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2%
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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 11.7% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer support analyst and desktop support technician 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 technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and troubleshoot network connectivity with TCP/IP
  • Coordinate and manage a large-scale VOIP phone system conversion project for high-profile corporate customer.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Deploy WINTERMS on CITRIX platform.
  • Blackberry and android setup and activation.
  • Support a legacy system which requires a client certificate and a specific Java version and configuration.
  • Show more

Computer support analyst vs desktop support technician 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 technician skills
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Desktop Support, 10%
  • Troubleshoot, 8%
  • Technical Support, 6%
  • Remote Desktop, 3%
  • Laptop Computers, 3%

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