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Information technology generalist vs information systems specialist

The differences between information technology generalists and information systems 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 generalist and an information systems specialist. Additionally, an information systems specialist has an average salary of $73,495, which is higher than the $63,551 average annual salary of an information technology generalist.

The top three skills for an information technology generalist include printers, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for an information systems specialist are customer service, data analysis, and data entry.

Information technology generalist vs information systems specialist overview

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Systems Specialist
Yearly salary$63,551$73,495
Hourly rate$30.55$35.33
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs125,307164,042
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does an information technology generalist do?

An information technology generalist performs a variety of tasks in a company. They may install and upgrade software, establish networks and systems, troubleshoot problems, perform regular maintenance checks, and repair systems and networks as needed. There are also instances where they may provide technical support to clients and employees, handle calls and correspondence, coordinate with different departments, oversee data security and recovery plans, and develop strategies to improve a company's information technology operations while adhering to its policies and regulations.

What does an information systems specialist do?

An Information Systems Specialist is responsible for supporting and developing the database system of an organization. They are responsible for designing and implementing information systems, developing prototypes, and maintaining hardware and software operations. They build information security to protect the computer system against a threat. Information System Specialists must have good communication and analytical skills to adapt to different organizational needs.

Information technology generalist vs information systems specialist salary

Information technology generalists and information systems specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Systems Specialist
Average salary$63,551$73,495
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $99,000Between $51,000 And $104,000
Highest paying CityArlington, VAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew JerseyKentucky
Best paying companyDataGoogle
Best paying industryTechnologyManufacturing

Differences between information technology generalist and information systems specialist education

There are a few differences between an information technology generalist and an information systems specialist in terms of educational background:

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Systems Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Information technology generalist vs information systems specialist demographics

Here are the differences between information technology generalists' and information systems specialists' demographics:

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Systems Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 76.6% Female, 23.4%Male, 68.9% Female, 31.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 11.9% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 10.7% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between information technology generalist and information systems specialist duties and responsibilities

Information technology generalist example responsibilities.

  • Lead enterprise-wide virtualization effort, overseeing and completing vendor/hardware qualifications, architecture/design, installation, configuration, migration and documentation.
  • Provide first-level networking support for routers, switches, WAPs, and firewalls.
  • Utilize various types of equipment to test, troubleshoot, and identify network problems.
  • Champion the selection and ultimate use of Java and object-orient design and programming on a web-base financial inventory management system.
  • Create a comprehensive QA project plan that track the work of all QA resources globally.
  • Lead enterprise-wide virtualization effort, overseeing and completing vendor/hardware qualifications, architecture/design, installation, configuration, migration and documentation.

Information systems specialist example responsibilities.

  • Implement internal SOX controls and achieve compliance for internal and external audits.
  • Manage user security access to SharePoint and Intranet.
  • Implement and manage all organizational security measures, cryptographic equipment and DoD communications security (COMSEC) keying material.
  • Gain knowledge of Linux and Macintosh server and desktop systems.
  • Configure and maintain all routers, switches and firewalls using TCP/IP.
  • Configure client PCs and laptops for network connectivity (Ethernet and TCP/IP).
  • Show more

Information technology generalist vs information systems specialist skills

Common information technology generalist skills
  • Printers, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • Computer System, 6%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Windows Server, 4%
  • SCCM, 4%
Common information systems specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Data Analysis, 6%
  • Data Entry, 5%
  • Strong Analytical, 5%
  • Troubleshoot, 4%
  • Technical Support, 4%

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