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Computer support engineer vs computer support specialist

The differences between computer support engineers and computer 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 engineer and a computer support specialist. Additionally, a computer support engineer has an average salary of $79,531, which is higher than the $63,926 average annual salary of a computer support specialist.

The top three skills for a computer support engineer include CAD, PCB and linux. The most important skills for a computer support specialist are computer support, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Computer support engineer vs computer support specialist overview

Computer Support EngineerComputer Support Specialist
Yearly salary$79,531$63,926
Hourly rate$38.24$30.73
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs122,786114,029
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Computer support engineer vs computer support specialist salary

Computer support engineers and computer support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Support EngineerComputer Support Specialist
Average salary$79,531$63,926
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $106,000Between $44,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityMountain View, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateOregonWashington
Best paying companyAppleGoogle
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between computer support engineer and computer support specialist education

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

Computer Support EngineerComputer Support Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringComputer Science
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachStanford University

Computer support engineer vs computer support specialist demographics

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

Computer Support EngineerComputer Support Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 86.1% Female, 13.9%Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 14.7% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 11.2% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer support engineer and computer support specialist duties and responsibilities

Computer support engineer example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish many networking projects and utilize many command line level processing for LINUX / UNIX operating base systems.
  • Manage inventory of forensic hardware and software utilities of forensic laboratory as well as maintaining forensic workstations and laboratory LAN.
  • Upgrade many UNIX / LINUX version operating systems independently.
  • Configure hardware/software for VPN networking.
  • Support all business applications and VPN connectivity internet and modem applications
  • Manage inventory of forensic hardware and software utilities of forensic laboratory as well as maintaining forensic workstations and laboratory LAN.
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Computer support specialist example responsibilities.

  • Monitor and manage end-user LAN/WLAN connectivity, and utilize diagnostic tools for monitoring and testing physical networking performance.
  • Interface daily with customers providing hardware and software support for a relational database design and written in INGRES using SQL.
  • Perform domain registration, connect peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely using SMS application.
  • Deploy new machines, installing OS, applications, drivers, and network configurations.
  • Participate in vulnerability resolution for both OS and specific applications on the OIG network.
  • Establish a new process for imaging machines using Linux and write documentation for it.
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Computer support engineer vs computer support specialist skills

Common computer support engineer skills
  • CAD, 22%
  • PCB, 9%
  • Linux, 9%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • System Administration, 5%
  • Desk Support, 5%
Common computer support specialist skills
  • Computer Support, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • Technical Support, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Desk Support, 5%
  • Computer System, 5%

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