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The differences between computer systems administrators and help desk administrators 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 systems administrator and a help desk administrator. Additionally, a computer systems administrator has an average salary of $72,247, which is higher than the $49,798 average annual salary of a help desk administrator.
The top three skills for a computer systems administrator include computer system, linux and customer service. The most important skills for a help desk administrator are customer service, desk support, and troubleshoot.
| Computer Systems Administrator | Help Desk Administrator | |
| Yearly salary | $72,247 | $49,798 |
| Hourly rate | $34.73 | $23.94 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 136,907 | 130,180 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer systems administrators are responsible for organizing and installing a company's computer system, including the WAN, LAN, and other data for communication. They gather information from the users to determine where to improve and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. These administrators ensure that the system they design for a company meets the needs of their users. They maintain the security of their systems and provide technical support for projects. They mainly administer a company's network, database, and security systems.
Help desk administrator is responsible for handling activities related to system support for their company or organization. They are in charge of providing superb client experiences and working in resolving support issues in a professional and timely manner. One of their primary tasks includes providing login resets and passwords for end-users. In addition, they will also perform innovative systems and network repairs, as well as assist computer information responses as required. Moreover, they support complete equipment set-up, renewal, or termination of a user account, handle server, and domain account changes.
Computer systems administrators and help desk administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Administrator | Help Desk Administrator | |
| Average salary | $72,247 | $49,798 |
| Salary range | Between $53,000 And $97,000 | Between $34,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Meta | Houlihan Lokey |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer systems administrator and a help desk administrator in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Administrator | Help Desk Administrator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer systems administrators' and help desk administrators' demographics:
| Computer Systems Administrator | Help Desk Administrator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.7% Female, 17.3% | Male, 74.3% Female, 25.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.9% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 8.8% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |