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The differences between information technology consultants and information technology support managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an information technology consultant, becoming an information technology support manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an information technology support manager has an average salary of $104,424, which is higher than the $84,790 average annual salary of an information technology consultant.
The top three skills for an information technology consultant include customer service, database and project management. The most important skills for an information technology support manager are customer service, ITIL, and project management.
| Information Technology Consultant | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $84,790 | $104,424 |
| Hourly rate | $40.76 | $50.20 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 142,475 | 162,131 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 8 |
An Information Technology Consultant, also known as IT Consultant, is responsible for sharing extensive knowledge of Information Technology by providing suggestions and solving issues within the company. Among the duties include installing and maintaining the necessary software and hardware, designing new procedures, overseeing all implementations, and ensuring that all systems are running smoothly, employing methods to secure databases, and providing essential instructions when needed. Furthermore, an Information Technology Consultant needs to coordinate and report to management or supervisors at all times.
Information technology support manager primarily supervises information technology support staff, oversees system and software maintenance, and repairs. They assist with computer equipment installation and purchasing and maintaining a secure network and connectivity for users. It is part of their role to coordinate training and development for new technology users. Another vital role is they monitor online security for users and networks and takes appropriate steps to address possible security breaches if necessary. Moreover, they also develop contingency plans to address any equipment, power, or possible security failure to ensure the protection of technology and data.
Information technology consultants and information technology support managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Consultant | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average salary | $84,790 | $104,424 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $115,000 | Between $76,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | California Resources | Clinica Sierra Vista |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between an information technology consultant and an information technology support manager in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Consultant | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology consultants' and information technology support managers' demographics:
| Information Technology Consultant | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average age | 43 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 12.6% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |