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The differences between information technology assistants and information technology specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an information technology assistant and an information technology specialist. Additionally, an information technology specialist has an average salary of $81,241, which is higher than the $39,574 average annual salary of an information technology assistant.
The top three skills for an information technology assistant include computer system, customer service and data entry. The most important skills for an information technology specialist are customer service, troubleshoot, and computer system.
| Information Technology Assistant | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $39,574 | $81,241 |
| Hourly rate | $19.03 | $39.06 |
| Growth rate | -8% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 104,181 | 122,519 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computer systems are installed, operated, and maintained by an information technology (IT) assistant. Their responsibilities are complex, such as software and hardware configuring, setting up printers and routers, equipment repairs, and computer network user support. Their daily routine may include innovating new technologies, writing reports, and developing plans if there are system or network errors. IT assistants are network developers, innovators, and act as internet security for their department and other organizations.
An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.
Information technology assistants and information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Assistant | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $39,574 | $81,241 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $55,000 | Between $58,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Luis Obispo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Micron Technology | |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between an information technology assistant and an information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Assistant | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology assistants' and information technology specialists' demographics:
| Information Technology Assistant | Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 50 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.4% Female, 32.6% | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 3.8% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 11.9% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 11% |