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The differences between information technology associates and information technology technical leads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an information technology associate, becoming an information technology technical lead takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an information technology technical lead has an average salary of $110,879, which is higher than the $75,790 average annual salary of an information technology associate.
The top three skills for an information technology associate include SOC, data analysis and sarbanes-oxley. The most important skills for an information technology technical lead are project management, architecture, and governance.
| Information Technology Associate | Information Technology Technical Lead | |
| Yearly salary | $75,790 | $110,879 |
| Hourly rate | $36.44 | $53.31 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 116,996 | 156,246 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
An information technology (IT) associate is an individual who assists in the management of an IT infrastructure of an organization. IT associates are required to provide support and maintenance of network and wireless infrastructure as well as manage the technical side of an organization's web content platform. They must assist in the management of the inventory of equipment that can include computer desktops, projectors, copiers, and printers. IT associates should also communicate with staff members so that they can respond to their IT needs as well as provide maintenance and support.
An information technology technical lead is responsible for assisting the technology team in solving system issues, designing new application systems, improving existing network infrastructure, and maintaining the safety and security of the organization's database. Information technology technical leads inspect the technology system's performance, recommending strategic solutions for optimization and smooth navigations for end-users. They also perform configurations and modifications, adhering to business requirements to support production operations. An information technology technical lead must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to handle technical complexities for maximum efficiency.
Information technology associates and information technology technical leads have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Associate | Information Technology Technical Lead | |
| Average salary | $75,790 | $110,879 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $111,000 | Between $84,000 And $146,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | SAP | McKinsey & Company Inc |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an information technology associate and an information technology technical lead in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Associate | Information Technology Technical Lead | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology associates' and information technology technical leads' demographics:
| Information Technology Associate | Information Technology Technical Lead | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 14.6% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |