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The differences between network support technicians and desk support technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a network support technician and a desk support technician. Additionally, a network support technician has an average salary of $48,622, which is higher than the $40,715 average annual salary of a desk support technician.
The top three skills for a network support technician include troubleshoot, technical support and customer service. The most important skills for a desk support technician are customer service, technical support, and troubleshoot.
| Network Support Technician | Desk Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $48,622 | $40,715 |
| Hourly rate | $23.38 | $19.57 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 120,245 | 130,485 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
A desktop support technician is responsible for assisting end-users with their network issues, grant authorization requests, and create user accounts. Desktop support technicians maintain the safety and security of networks, preventing unauthorized access and illegal dissemination of database information. They also handle the software configurations and upgrading the network infrastructure to avoid system downtimes and operational delays. A desktop support technician must have excellent communication and technical skills to monitor systems performance and enhance network navigation.
Network support technicians and desk support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Support Technician | Desk Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $48,622 | $40,715 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $61,000 | Between $26,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Troy, NY | South San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | California |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | BNY Mellon |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network support technician and a desk support technician in terms of educational background:
| Network Support Technician | Desk Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between network support technicians' and desk support technicians' demographics:
| Network Support Technician | Desk Support Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 82.6% Female, 17.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |