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The differences between computer technicians and student 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 student technician. Additionally, a computer technician has an average salary of $39,767, which is higher than the $28,926 average annual salary of a student technician.
The top three skills for a computer technician include customer service, desk support and network printers. The most important skills for a student technician are java, javascript, and SQL.
| Computer Technician | Student Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,767 | $28,926 |
| Hourly rate | $19.12 | $13.91 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 95,688 | 82,671 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 student technician is responsible for assisting the school personnel and faculty on utilizing class technologies and other learning equipment. Student technicians accept school requests for setting-up audio-visual equipment during school events, class presentations, and related technical support services. They run multiple diagnostic tests on the systems before actual usage to prevent any defects and inconsistencies during operations. A student technician must have excellent knowledge of the technology and mechanical processes to identify preventive maintenance efficiently.
Computer technicians and student technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Technician | Student Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,767 | $28,926 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $16,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alexandria, VA | Lakewood, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Vermont |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Siemens |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a student technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Technician | Student Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Duke University |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and student technicians' demographics:
| Computer Technician | Student Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 60.7% Female, 39.3% |
| 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, 10.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 14.4% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |