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The differences between junior information technology analysts and help desk analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a junior information technology analyst, becoming a help desk analyst takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a help desk analyst has an average salary of $37,318, which is higher than the $35,435 average annual salary of a junior information technology analyst.
The top three skills for a junior information technology analyst include business processes, user support and technical support. The most important skills for a help desk analyst are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Junior Information Technology Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $35,435 | $37,318 |
| Hourly rate | $17.04 | $17.94 |
| Growth rate | 32% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 124,503 | 87,591 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
Junior information technology (IT) analysts are entry-level professionals who assist senior IT analyst in designing and implementing IT systems that are functional and cost-efficient for their clients. These analysts are required to provide technical support and resolutions by managing the flow of incoming calls and responding to the inquiries of clients. They must manage user accounts by resetting user passwords and assigning or removing users from using the administrator tool. Junior IT analysts must also provide technical assistance in developing security standards for server and network functions.
Help Desk Analysts generally provide technical support by assisting customers with their system issues. These analysts are expected to be highly knowledgeable about application processes and basic troubleshooting. Help Desk Analysts usually communicate with end-users through phone calls or e-mail and are required to attend on customers technical issues promptly. Depending on the expertise, the Help Desk Analysts are often categorized to support levels wherein the most complex issues are often handle by the highest tier. The Help Desk Analysts must have critical-thinking skills on solving network problems and document specific concerns and progress.
Junior information technology analysts and help desk analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Information Technology Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Average salary | $35,435 | $37,318 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $51,000 | Between $26,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Duke University Health System | Pacific Investment Management Company LLC |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Government |
There are a few differences between a junior information technology analyst and a help desk analyst in terms of educational background:
| Junior Information Technology Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Information Technology | Computer Information Systems |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between junior information technology analysts' and help desk analysts' demographics:
| Junior Information Technology Analyst | Help Desk Analyst | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% | Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 9.6% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |