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The differences between computer technicians and desktop 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 desktop support technician. Additionally, a desktop support technician has an average salary of $41,792, 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 desktop support technician are customer service, desktop support, and troubleshoot.
Computer Technician | Desktop Support Technician | |
Yearly Salary | $39,767 | $41,792 |
Hourly rate | $19.12 | $20.09 |
Growth Rate | 10% | 10% |
Number Of Jobs | 95,688 | 108,944 |
Job Satisfaction | 5 | 1 |
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 desktop support technician is responsible for troubleshooting defective computer systems, affecting its performance and efficiency. Desktop support technicians must be highly familiar with the technology systems and programming codes to navigate system applications and locate the discrepancy of the system. They keep documentation of the ticket issue and the resolution for reference and quality improvement. A desktop support technician also configures and updates computer systems and networks for better optimization, as well as conducting regular inspections and monitoring the efficiency of installed programs and patches.
Computer technicians and desktop support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
Computer Technician | Desktop Support Technician | |
Average Salary | $39,767 | $41,792 |
Salary Range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $32,000 And $54,000 |
Highest Paying City | Alexandria, VA | Philadelphia, PA |
Highest Paying State | Virginia | Pennsylvania |
Best Paying Company | The Citadel | NTT Data International L.L.C. |
Best Paying Industry | Government | Finance |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a desktop support technician in terms of educational background:
Computer Technician | Desktop Support Technician | |
Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
Most Common Major | Computer Science | Computer Information Systems |
Most Common College | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and desktop support technicians' demographics:
Computer Technician | Desktop Support Technician | |
Average Age | 42 | 42 |
Gender Ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% |
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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 11.7% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |