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Computer Technician Vs Desk Support Technician

The differences between computer technicians and desk 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 desk support technician. Additionally, a desk support technician has an average salary of $40,715, 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 desk support technician are customer service, technical support, and troubleshoot.

Computer technician vs desk support technician overview

Computer TechnicianDesk Support Technician
Yearly Salary$39,767$40,715
Hourly rate$19.12$19.57
Growth Rate10%10%
Number Of Jobs95,688130,485
Job Satisfaction5-
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average Age4242
Years Of Experience22

What does a Computer Technician do?

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.

What does a desk support technician do?

A desktop support technician is responsible for assisting end-users with their network issues, grant authorization requests, and create user accounts. Desktop support technicians maintain the safety and security of networks, preventing unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of database information. They also handle the software configurations and upgrading the network infrastructure to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. A desktop support technician must have excellent communication and technical skills to monitor systems performance and enhance network navigation.

Computer technician vs desk support technician salary

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

Computer TechnicianDesk Support Technician
Average Salary$39,767$40,715
Salary RangeBetween $28,000 And $55,000Between $26,000 And $62,000
Highest Paying CityAlexandria, VASouth San Francisco, CA
Highest Paying StateVirginiaCalifornia
Best Paying CompanyThe CitadelBNY Mellon
Best Paying IndustryGovernmentTechnology

Differences between computer technician and desk support technician education

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

Computer TechnicianDesk Support Technician
Most Common DegreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most Common MajorComputer ScienceBusiness
Most Common CollegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaStanford University

Computer technician vs desk support technician demographics

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

Computer TechnicianDesk Support Technician
Average Age4242
Gender RatioMale, 87.0% Female, 13.0%Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4%
Race RatioBlack 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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer technician and desk support technician duties and responsibilities

Computer Technician Example Responsibilities.

  • Recreate and manage company website, maintain regular updates, manage DNS servers, administrate e-mail and outlook exchange server.
  • Manage and maintain desktop security updates company-wide with no downtime of systems due to OS vulnerability exploitation.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Add and configure networked printers for TCP/IP printing and other peripheral equipment including video conferencing equipment.
  • Diagnose and troubleshot computer hardware and software.
  • Fix computers, do inventory of computers, run cables.
  • Show More

Desk Support Technician Example Responsibilities.

  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Use multiple monitor setup display and remote desktop applications via VPN to access associate computers.
  • Utilize desktop deployment tools in order to deploy and maintain inventory for PCs, monitors, and printers.
  • Assist with network connectivity with PCs, laptops, and mobile phones including TCP/IP settings and internet connections.
  • Provide administrative support and troubleshooting for VPN users.
  • Maintain company networks security systems and infrastructure hardware including firewalls and switches and install software security and firmware patches or upgrades.
  • Show More

Computer technician vs desk support technician skills

Common Computer Technician Skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Desk Support, 8%
  • Network Printers, 6%
  • Computer System, 6%
  • Technical Support, 6%
  • Laptop Computers, 5%
Common Desk Support Technician Skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Technical Support, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • Phone Calls, 5%
  • Desk Side Support, 5%
  • Remote Troubleshooting, 4%

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