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The differences between desktop/network supports and desktop support analysts 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 desktop support analyst. Additionally, a desktop/network support has an average salary of $49,480, which is higher than the $48,674 average annual salary of a desktop support analyst.
The top three skills for a desktop/network support include customer service, technical support and software applications. The most important skills for a desktop support analyst are desktop support, customer service, and computer system.
| Desktop/Network Support | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $49,480 | $48,674 |
| Hourly rate | $23.79 | $23.40 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 119,310 | 99,621 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 analyst's role is to develop strategies and systems to improve and coordinate desktop support efforts. Their responsibilities revolve around testing and modifying existing networks and systems, providing corrective measures on issues and concerns, performing regular inspections, troubleshooting, and maintaining inventories on software, hardware, and other applications. Furthermore, as a desktop support analyst, it is essential to respond to calls and correspondence from clients, all while adhering to the policies and regulations of the company.
Desktop/network supports and desktop support analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop/Network Support | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Average salary | $49,480 | $48,674 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $68,000 | Between $36,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Visa | Cambridge Associates |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a desktop/network support and a desktop support analyst in terms of educational background:
| Desktop/Network Support | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between desktop/network supports' and desktop support analysts' demographics:
| Desktop/Network Support | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% |
| 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, 11.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 12.3% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |