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The differences between computer systems analysts and computer support specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a computer systems analyst, becoming a computer support specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a computer systems analyst has an average salary of $82,655, which is higher than the $63,926 average annual salary of a computer support specialist.
The top three skills for a computer systems analyst include computer system, database and C++. The most important skills for a computer support specialist are computer support, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $82,655 | $63,926 |
| Hourly rate | $39.74 | $30.73 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 118,439 | 114,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A computer systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.
A Computer Support Specialist is responsible for providing the highest customer service for clients with technical and system issues, resolving network failures, and creating support tickets for IT personnel. Computer Support Specialists utilize various system tools and applications to diagnose end-users network issues and conduct immediate troubleshooting. They also help the IT staff design and improve system features and infrastructures and create instructional manuals for deliverables. A Computer Support Specialist must have excellent technical and communication skills to document customers' requests and identify system solutions.
Computer systems analysts and computer support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Systems Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Average salary | $82,655 | $63,926 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $112,000 | Between $44,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer systems analyst and a computer support specialist in terms of educational background:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer systems analysts' and computer support specialists' demographics:
| Computer Systems Analyst | Computer Support Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.7% Female, 23.3% | Male, 80.1% Female, 19.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 14.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 Percentage | 8% | 11% |