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The differences between computer technicians and computer 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 technician and a computer support technician. Additionally, a computer support technician has an average salary of $41,852, which is higher than the $39,767 average annual salary of a computer technician.
The top three skills for a computer technician include customer service, desk support and network printers. The most important skills for a computer support technician are customer service, technical support, and computer support.
| Computer Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,767 | $41,852 |
| Hourly rate | $19.12 | $20.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 95,688 | 121,180 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs. Computer technicians handle the maintenance and repair of both software and hardware of computers. They should be able to quickly pinpoint the causes of computer problems that the client encounters. They should also be able to answer the clients' computer-related inquiries and provide advice on proper computer handling. Computer technicians should have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
A computer support technician is responsible for diagnosing and resolving computer and network issues, identifying the source of malfunctions, and improving infrastructure to avoid downtimes and operational delays. Computer support technicians manage the efficiency of all equipment and peripherals for the computers, assist in installing components, and keeping adequate resources or alternatives for defective items. They also recommend minimal costs technology materials and create troubleshooting manuals for reference, ensuring that the network processes adhere to internal guidelines and regulations.
Computer technicians and computer support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,767 | $41,852 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $34,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alexandria, VA | Lompoc, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a computer support technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and computer support technicians' demographics:
| Computer Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |