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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 | Desk Support Technician | |
Yearly Salary | $39,767 | $40,715 |
Hourly rate | $19.12 | $19.57 |
Growth Rate | 10% | 10% |
Number Of Jobs | 95,688 | 130,485 |
Job Satisfaction | 5 | - |
Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
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 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 technicians and desk support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
Computer Technician | Desk Support Technician | |
Average Salary | $39,767 | $40,715 |
Salary Range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $26,000 And $62,000 |
Highest Paying City | Alexandria, VA | South San Francisco, CA |
Highest Paying State | Virginia | California |
Best Paying Company | The Citadel | BNY Mellon |
Best Paying Industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a desk support technician in terms of educational background:
Computer Technician | Desk Support Technician | |
Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
Most Common Major | Computer Science | Business |
Most Common College | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and desk support technicians' demographics:
Computer Technician | Desk Support Technician | |
Average Age | 42 | 42 |
Gender Ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
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, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |