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The differences between desktop/network supports and network 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 network support technician. Additionally, a desktop/network support has an average salary of $49,480, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network 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 network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Desktop/Network Support | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $49,480 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $23.79 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 119,310 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| 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 network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Desktop/network supports and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop/Network Support | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $49,480 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $68,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Visa | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a desktop/network support and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Desktop/Network Support | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between desktop/network supports' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Desktop/Network Support | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |