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Program support assistant vs service assistant

The differences between program support assistants and service assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a program support assistant and a service assistant. Additionally, a program support assistant has an average salary of $41,107, which is higher than the $31,928 average annual salary of a service assistant.

The top three skills for a program support assistant include patients, veterans and program support. The most important skills for a service assistant are excellent interpersonal, basic math, and customer satisfaction.

Program support assistant vs service assistant overview

Program Support AssistantService Assistant
Yearly salary$41,107$31,928
Hourly rate$19.76$15.35
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs163,71669,115
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

What does a program support assistant do?

A program support assistant is responsible for performing administrative functions to ensure a program's smooth operations. Program support assistants organize the necessary documents, create the expense sheet, respond to the clients' inquiries and concerns, negotiate with vendors and suppliers, and conduct data analysis. They also act as a liaison between the clients and the senior planners to resolve issues and address the clients' requests. A program support assistant maintains the accuracy of client information on the database and regularly updates the clients' files as needed.

What does a service assistant do?

A Service Assistant's responsibility depends on the line of work or industry involved. However, the primary responsibility of a Service Assistant is to respond to a customer's inquiry and offer them assistance, a suggestion, or a solution. Aside from ensuring customer satisfaction, a Service Assistant may also process payments, discuss product information, and sell products or services in adherence to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, A Service Assistant needs to keep records of transactions at all times and report to management or supervisors.

Program support assistant vs service assistant salary

Program support assistants and service assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Program Support AssistantService Assistant
Average salary$41,107$31,928
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $54,000Between $23,000 And $43,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateConnecticutHawaii
Best paying companyNew York State Restaurant AssociationBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between program support assistant and service assistant education

There are a few differences between a program support assistant and a service assistant in terms of educational background:

Program Support AssistantService Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Program support assistant vs service assistant demographics

Here are the differences between program support assistants' and service assistants' demographics:

Program Support AssistantService Assistant
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 27.7% Female, 72.3%Male, 35.8% Female, 64.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 6.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 6.7% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between program support assistant and service assistant duties and responsibilities

Program support assistant example responsibilities.

  • Create reports, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations for special projects.
  • Design and implement new web pages for all libraries in the district using HTML.
  • Perform student information management application updates and maintain SharePoint log.
  • Ensure all timekeeping data are accurate and produce routine timekeeping reports as requested.
  • Establish and maintain a computerize tracking system on SharePoint for all congressional correspondence.
  • Assist with eligibility and enrollment of new veterans; produce primary care assignments and arrange initial medical appointments.
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Service assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage day-to-day operations including contract management, accounts payable, receivables, payroll and general administrative assistance.
  • Develop contracting strategy to build capacity and achieve ongoing compliance with Medicare and Medicaid provider network adequacy requirements.
  • Manage and update company Facebook page with daily updates, finding/sharing relevant and interesting information, and encouraging fan engagement.
  • Function as part of the trauma team by performing CPR.
  • Set up and maintain CPR certifications for all instructional aids.
  • Review supplies, materials, vendor selection for WIS and NICU.
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Program support assistant vs service assistant skills

Common program support assistant skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • Veterans, 10%
  • Program Support, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 4%
Common service assistant skills
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 17%
  • Basic Math, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 10%
  • Math, 7%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Veterans, 6%

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