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The differences between network support technicians and hardware 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 hardware technician. Additionally, a network support technician has an average salary of $48,622, which is higher than the $47,851 average annual salary of a hardware technician.
The top three skills for a network support technician include troubleshoot, technical support and customer service. The most important skills for a hardware technician are customer service, technical support, and network printers.
| Network Support Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $48,622 | $47,851 |
| Hourly rate | $23.38 | $23.01 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 120,245 | 85,174 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| 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 hardware technician is typically in charge of providing technical support to clients or employees, ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. In a company setting, a hardware technician is responsible for performing initial assessments on computer hardware, troubleshooting, diagnosing problems, and providing step by step solutions to solve the issues. They may also perform corrective repairs on problems and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the quality of equipment. Furthermore, as a hardware technician, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Network support technicians and hardware technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Support Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Average salary | $48,622 | $47,851 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $61,000 | Between $32,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Troy, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Delaware |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a network support technician and a hardware technician in terms of educational background:
| Network Support Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 50% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between network support technicians' and hardware technicians' demographics:
| Network Support Technician | Hardware Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| 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, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 12.0% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |