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The differences between desktop engineers and computer support 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 desktop engineer and a computer support technician. Additionally, a desktop engineer has an average salary of $102,893, which is higher than the $41,852 average annual salary of a computer support technician.
The top three skills for a desktop engineer include customer service, SCCM and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a computer support technician are customer service, technical support, and computer support.
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $102,893 | $41,852 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $20.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 87,458 | 121,180 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A desktop engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and performance of computer systems across the organization to deliver high-performance on business operations and client specifications. Desktop engineers resolve computer desktop issues, including navigation and security complications that create delays in the operational process. They conduct regular maintenance with the computer systems, upgrade network infrastructure, and perform configuration to ensure smooth functionality and resolutions. A desktop engineer should have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, recommending system solutions to avoid the reoccurrence of network issues and glitches.
A computer support technician is responsible for diagnosing and resolving computer and network issues, identifying the source of malfunctions, and improving infrastructure to avoid downtimes and operational delays. Computer support technicians manage the efficiency of all equipment and peripherals for the computers, assist in installing components, and keeping adequate resources or alternatives for defective items. They also recommend minimal costs technology materials and create troubleshooting manuals for reference, ensuring that the network processes adhere to internal guidelines and regulations.
Desktop engineers and computer support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $102,893 | $41,852 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $136,000 | Between $34,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Lompoc, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Ropes & Gray | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a desktop engineer and a computer support technician in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between desktop engineers' and computer support technicians' demographics:
| Desktop Engineer | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.7% Female, 11.3% | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 13.6% White, 53.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |