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The differences between implementation specialists and implementation managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an implementation specialist, becoming an implementation manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an implementation manager has an average salary of $90,790, which is higher than the $56,545 average annual salary of an implementation specialist.
The top three skills for an implementation specialist include client expectations, customer service and business processes. The most important skills for an implementation manager are project management, account management, and client relationships.
| Implementation Specialist | Implementation Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $56,545 | $90,790 |
| Hourly rate | $27.19 | $43.65 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 50,975 | 136,883 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
As the name entails, implementation specialists perform tasks related to the implementation of computer software and hardware, technical systems, or solutions. They are responsible for identifying clients' needs and determining how they will use the software or systems that they have acquired. They may also assist clients in setting up their equipment and perform additional tasks such as importing client data, creating customized reports, and modifying metrics. There are certain skills and qualifications to be considered to apply for this role, which includes a bachelor's degree in business, in-depth technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
An implementation manager specializes in introducing new systems, networks, and processes to the entire company workforce. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the implementation team to ensure that everything is running smoothly, devising action and work plans, coordinating with different departments, monitoring requisitions and information materials, and verifying their accuracy. An implementation manager may also address issues and concerns, providing technical support when necessary. Furthermore, it is essential to lead and encourage the team, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Implementation specialists and implementation managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Implementation Specialist | Implementation Manager | |
| Average salary | $56,545 | $90,790 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $87,000 | Between $64,000 And $126,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Levi Strauss & Co. | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between an implementation specialist and an implementation manager in terms of educational background:
| Implementation Specialist | Implementation Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between implementation specialists' and implementation managers' demographics:
| Implementation Specialist | Implementation Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.3% Female, 50.7% | Male, 59.0% Female, 41.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 10.7% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 12.7% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |