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Hardware specialist vs support specialist

The differences between hardware specialists and support specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a hardware specialist and a support specialist. Additionally, a hardware specialist has an average salary of $79,167, which is higher than the $40,782 average annual salary of a support specialist.

The top three skills for a hardware specialist include plumbing, configuration management and printers. The most important skills for a support specialist are customer service, patients, and mental health.

Hardware specialist vs support specialist overview

Hardware SpecialistSupport Specialist
Yearly salary$79,167$40,782
Hourly rate$38.06$19.61
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs72,306125,740
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

Hardware specialist vs support specialist salary

Hardware specialists and support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Hardware SpecialistSupport Specialist
Average salary$79,167$40,782
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $112,000Between $25,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Microsoft
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between hardware specialist and support specialist education

There are a few differences between a hardware specialist and a support specialist in terms of educational background:

Hardware SpecialistSupport Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Hardware specialist vs support specialist demographics

Here are the differences between hardware specialists' and support specialists' demographics:

Hardware SpecialistSupport Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.7% Female, 12.3%Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between hardware specialist and support specialist duties and responsibilities

Hardware specialist example responsibilities.

  • Create, manage, and troubleshoot user network, email accounts, and distribution lists.
  • Lead effort to develop and maintain client's database by customizing existing computer information systems to support operating objectives.
  • Fix system issues using Linux and Unix commands.
  • Utilize SQL servers and databases per ticket requirements.
  • Handle filing of customer POs and complete company paperwork for records use.
  • Used Cisco web administration utility to reset VOIP phone settings for users.
  • Show more

Support specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage project SharePoint site for the purpose of supporting ongoing collaboration
  • Provide Cerner CPOE learning support to physicians.
  • Train in motivational interviewing, HIPAA regulations, CPR certify, emergency preparedness, suicide awareness, and team building.
  • Participate in inventory taking process and maintain stockroom organization and cleanliness.
  • Create and maintain a database of ACH clients.
  • Configure, setup VPN connections, remote access.
  • Show more

Hardware specialist vs support specialist skills

Common hardware specialist skills
  • Plumbing, 56%
  • Configuration Management, 8%
  • Printers, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Computer System, 3%
  • Troubleshoot, 3%
Common support specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Mental Health, 6%
  • Social Work, 4%
  • Peer Support, 4%
  • Data Entry, 3%

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