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The differences between computer technicians and system 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 system technician. Additionally, a system technician has an average salary of $43,410, 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 system technician are customer service, hand tools, and preventative maintenance.
| Computer Technician | System Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $39,767 | $43,410 |
| Hourly rate | $19.12 | $20.87 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 95,688 | 137,121 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| 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 system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.
Computer technicians and system technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computer Technician | System Technician | |
| Average salary | $39,767 | $43,410 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $27,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alexandria, VA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a system technician in terms of educational background:
| Computer Technician | System Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Associate Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and system technicians' demographics:
| Computer Technician | System Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |