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The differences between desktop/network supports and desk 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/network support and a desk support technician. Additionally, a desktop/network support has an average salary of $49,480, which is higher than the $40,715 average annual salary of a desk support technician.
The top three skills for a desktop/network support include customer service, technical support and software applications. The most important skills for a desk support technician are customer service, technical support, and troubleshoot.
| Desktop/Network Support | Desk Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $49,480 | $40,715 |
| Hourly rate | $23.79 | $19.57 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 119,310 | 130,485 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A desktop/network support is responsible for assisting end-users and customers on their computer and network issues, performing troubleshooting procedures, and guiding them with the step-by-step resolution. Desktop/network supports handle system configuration and upgrades of network components to increase efficiency and optimal performance. They also identify the source of defects by asking questions and creating support tickets for the users. A desktop/network support must have excellent technical and communication skills, especially in writing resolution reports for reference to avoid the reoccurrence of system malfunctions.
A desktop support technician is responsible for assisting end-users with their network issues, grant authorization requests, and create user accounts. Desktop support technicians maintain the safety and security of networks, preventing unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of database information. They also handle the software configurations and upgrading the network infrastructure to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. A desktop support technician must have excellent communication and technical skills to monitor systems performance and enhance network navigation.
Desktop/network supports and desk support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop/Network Support | Desk Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $49,480 | $40,715 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $68,000 | Between $26,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Visa | BNY Mellon |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a desktop/network support and a desk support technician in terms of educational background:
| Desktop/Network Support | Desk Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between desktop/network supports' and desk support technicians' demographics:
| Desktop/Network Support | Desk Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 10.6% White, 56.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |