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The differences between desktop support technicians 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 support technician and a network support technician. Additionally, a network support technician has an average salary of $48,622, 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 network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Desktop Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $41,792 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $20.09 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 108,944 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | 1 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| 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 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 support technicians and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $41,792 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $54,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | NTT Data International L.L.C. | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a desktop support technician and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 46% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| 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 network support technicians' demographics:
| Desktop Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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, 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% |