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The differences between network systems analysts and desktop support analysts 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 systems analyst and a desktop support analyst. Additionally, a network systems analyst has an average salary of $68,198, which is higher than the $48,674 average annual salary of a desktop support analyst.
The top three skills for a network systems analyst include network issues, network infrastructure and linux. The most important skills for a desktop support analyst are desktop support, customer service, and computer system.
| Network Systems Analyst | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $68,198 | $48,674 |
| Hourly rate | $32.79 | $23.40 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 127,522 | 99,621 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A network systems analyst's job responsibility is to create network configurations both for hardware and software to improve the functionality of a network system. It is their responsibility to ensure that all computers are connected in a given network and can efficiently work together. They typically create technology resolutions to business-related problems and thus will be involved in the business aspect of their organization. Moreover, they work in an office arrangement, and in some cases may be able to work remotely. They may report to a network supervisor or network manager while consecutively working closely with systems engineers and programmers.
A desktop support analyst's role is to develop strategies and systems to improve and coordinate desktop support efforts. Their responsibilities revolve around testing and modifying existing networks and systems, providing corrective measures on issues and concerns, performing regular inspections, troubleshooting, and maintaining inventories on software, hardware, and other applications. Furthermore, as a desktop support analyst, it is essential to respond to calls and correspondence from clients, all while adhering to the policies and regulations of the company.
Network systems analysts and desktop support analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Network Systems Analyst | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Average salary | $68,198 | $48,674 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $92,000 | Between $36,000 And $65,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Cisco | Cambridge Associates |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Finance |
There are a few differences between a network systems analyst and a desktop support analyst in terms of educational background:
| Network Systems Analyst | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between network systems analysts' and desktop support analysts' demographics:
| Network Systems Analyst | Desktop Support Analyst | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 9.1% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 12.3% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 11% |