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The differences between desktop support technicians 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 support technician and a computer support technician. Additionally, a computer support technician has an average salary of $41,852, which is higher than the $41,792 average annual salary of a desktop support technician.
The top three skills for a desktop support technician include customer service, desktop support and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a computer support technician are customer service, technical support, and computer support.
| Desktop Support Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,792 | $41,852 |
| Hourly rate | $20.09 | $20.12 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 108,944 | 121,180 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A desktop support technician is responsible for troubleshooting defective computer systems, affecting its performance and efficiency. Desktop support technicians must be highly familiar with the technology systems and programming codes to navigate system applications and locate the discrepancy of the system. They keep documentation of the ticket issue and the resolution for reference and quality improvement. A desktop support technician also configures and updates computer systems and networks for better optimization, as well as conducting regular inspections and monitoring the efficiency of installed programs and patches.
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 support technicians and computer support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Support Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,792 | $41,852 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $54,000 | Between $34,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Lompoc, CA |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | California |
| Best paying company | NTT Data International L.L.C. | Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a desktop support technician and a computer support technician in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Support Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 46% |
| Most common major | Computer Information Systems | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between desktop support technicians' and computer support technicians' demographics:
| Desktop Support Technician | Computer Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% | Male, 83.2% Female, 16.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 11.7% White, 54.5% 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% |