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The differences between computer technicians and systems administrators 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 systems administrator. Additionally, a systems administrator has an average salary of $77,156, 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 systems administrator are linux, troubleshoot, and windows server.
Computer Technician | Systems Administrator | |
Yearly Salary | $39,767 | $77,156 |
Hourly rate | $19.12 | $37.09 |
Growth Rate | 10% | 5% |
Number Of Jobs | 95,688 | 134,500 |
Job Satisfaction | 5 | - |
Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
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.
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
Computer technicians and systems administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.
Computer Technician | Systems Administrator | |
Average Salary | $39,767 | $77,156 |
Salary Range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $59,000 And $100,000 |
Highest Paying City | Alexandria, VA | San Francisco, CA |
Highest Paying State | Virginia | California |
Best Paying Company | The Citadel | Meta |
Best Paying Industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a computer technician and a systems administrator in terms of educational background:
Computer Technician | Systems Administrator | |
Most Common Degree | Bachelor's Degree, 40% | Bachelor's Degree, 60% |
Most Common Major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
Most Common College | University of Pennsylvania | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between computer technicians' and systems administrators' demographics:
Computer Technician | Systems Administrator | |
Average Age | 42 | 43 |
Gender Ratio | Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0% | Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1% |
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, 8.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |