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Computer technician vs information technology technician

The differences between computer technicians and information technology 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 an information technology technician. Additionally, an information technology technician has an average salary of $49,031, 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 an information technology technician are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Computer technician vs information technology technician overview

Computer TechnicianInformation Technology Technician
Yearly salary$39,767$49,031
Hourly rate$19.12$23.57
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs95,688118,881
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
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 an information technology technician do?

An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.

Computer technician vs information technology technician salary

Computer technicians and information technology technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer TechnicianInformation Technology Technician
Average salary$39,767$49,031
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $55,000Between $28,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CityAlexandria, VAUrban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying stateVirginiaHawaii
Best paying companyThe CitadelCravath
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between computer technician and information technology technician education

There are a few differences between a computer technician and an information technology technician in terms of educational background:

Computer TechnicianInformation Technology Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaStanford University

Computer technician vs information technology technician demographics

Here are the differences between computer technicians' and information technology technicians' demographics:

Computer TechnicianInformation Technology Technician
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.0% Female, 13.0%Male, 84.8% Female, 15.2%
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, 10.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.8% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between computer technician and information technology 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

Information technology technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage and execute project to remotely upgrade VPN clients
  • Manage incoming tickets and incidents in remedy and troubleshooting.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Analyze and maintain OS and domain account information across systems to ensure efficient and security workstations and virtual computing environments.
  • Provide implementation coordination, vendor management, and training for voice over IP project (VOIP).
  • Work on multiple projects dealing with VMware, server installation, computer repair, web design, and networking.
  • Show more

Computer technician vs information technology 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 information technology technician skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Desk Support, 4%
  • Computer System, 3%
  • Network Printers, 3%

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