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Information technology generalist vs information technology support manager

The differences between information technology generalists and information technology support 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 information technology generalist, 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 $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 technology support manager are customer service, ITIL, and project management.

Information technology generalist vs information technology support manager overview

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Technology Support Manager
Yearly salary$63,551$104,424
Hourly rate$30.55$50.20
Growth rate10%16%
Number of jobs125,307162,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4247
Years of experience28

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 technology support manager do?

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 generalist vs information technology support manager salary

Information technology generalists and information technology support managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Technology Support Manager
Average salary$63,551$104,424
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $99,000Between $76,000 And $142,000
Highest paying CityArlington, VASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyWashington
Best paying companyDataClinica Sierra Vista
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between information technology generalist and information technology support manager education

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

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Technology Support Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Information technology generalist vs information technology support manager demographics

Here are the differences between information technology generalists' and information technology support managers' demographics:

Information Technology GeneralistInformation Technology Support Manager
Average age4247
Gender ratioMale, 76.6% Female, 23.4%Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8%
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, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 12.6% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between information technology generalist and information technology support manager 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 technology support manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage and maintain backup of physical and VMware virtual servers.
  • Manage the acquisition, installation and maintenance of the organization's LAN hardware/software.
  • Manage a staff team for administration on a LAN supporting approximately 50 subscribers.
  • Design and implement a video conferencing system and ensure network stability and QOS and manage the current VoIP network.
  • Lead group of external contractors in the onsite support Helpdesk, setting objectives, assigning tasks and monitoring their assignments.
  • Manage the deployment, maintenance, support and upgrade of servers, PC's, software, operating systems and printers.
  • Show more

Information technology generalist vs information technology support manager skills

Common information technology generalist skills
  • Printers, 8%
  • Troubleshoot, 7%
  • Computer System, 6%
  • Technical Support, 5%
  • Windows Server, 4%
  • SCCM, 4%
Common information technology support manager skills
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • ITIL, 4%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Desk Support, 4%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 4%
  • Database, 3%

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