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The differences between computer technicians and hardware 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 hardware technician. Additionally, a hardware technician has an average salary of $47,851, 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 hardware technician are customer service, technical support, and network printers.
| Computer Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,767 | $47,851 |
| Hourly rate | $19.12 | $23.01 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 95,688 | 85,174 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| 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 hardware technician is typically in charge of providing technical support to clients or employees, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. In a company setting, a hardware technician is responsible for performing initial assessments on computer hardware, troubleshooting, diagnosing problems, and providing step by step solutions to solve the issues. They may also perform corrective repairs on problems and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the quality of equipment. Furthermore, as a hardware technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Computer technicians and hardware technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,767 | $47,851 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $32,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alexandria, VA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Delaware |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a hardware technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and hardware technicians' demographics:
| Computer Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 12.0% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |