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The differences between information technology interns and senior 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 internship and a senior information technology specialist. Additionally, a senior information technology specialist has an average salary of $103,478, which is higher than the $35,342 average annual salary of an information technology internship.
The top three skills for an information technology internship include java, customer service and python. The most important skills for a senior information technology specialist are customer service, database, and technical support.
| Information Technology Internship | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $35,342 | $103,478 |
| Hourly rate | $16.99 | $49.75 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 147,638 | 111,996 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
When it comes to an information technology internship, one of the primary responsibilities is to follow directions from supervisors and gain practical experience. Most of the tasks revolve around lending assistance in generating codes and building a database, participate in troubleshooting, and developing network systems under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. Furthermore, the tasks will vary on the directions handed, which is why it essential to coordinate with team members at all times and adhere to the guidelines and policies of management.
A senior information technology specialist is responsible for handling technology systems and network issues, ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of the database by configuration and improving network infrastructures. Senior information technology specialists also design computer systems and applications to support business functions and operations, depending on the requirements and budget limitations. They create resolution reports for reference and recommend strategic techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of defects and malfunctions. A senior information technology specialist must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in responding to the end-users' inquiries and concerns about the servers.
Information technology interns and senior information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Internship | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $35,342 | $103,478 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $78,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | AlixPartners | Ropes & Gray |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between an information technology internship and a senior information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Internship | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology interns' and senior information technology specialists' demographics:
| Information Technology Internship | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 14.8% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 14.1% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |