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The differences between information technology specialists 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 specialist and a senior information technology specialist. Additionally, a senior information technology specialist has an average salary of $103,478, which is higher than the $81,241 average annual salary of an information technology specialist.
The top three skills for an information technology specialist include customer service, troubleshoot and computer system. The most important skills for a senior information technology specialist are customer service, database, and technical support.
| Information Technology Specialist | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $81,241 | $103,478 |
| Hourly rate | $39.06 | $49.75 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 122,519 | 111,996 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.
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 specialists and senior information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Specialist | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average salary | $81,241 | $103,478 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $113,000 | Between $78,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Ropes & Gray | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between an information technology specialist and a senior information technology specialist in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Specialist | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between information technology specialists' and senior information technology specialists' demographics:
| Information Technology Specialist | Senior Information Technology Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2% | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 11.9% White, 54.4% 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% |