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The differences between program support specialists and signal support specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a program support specialist and a signal support specialist. Additionally, a signal support specialist has an average salary of $49,385, which is higher than the $39,327 average annual salary of a program support specialist.
The top three skills for a program support specialist include program support, veterans and powerpoint. The most important skills for a signal support specialist are provide technical assistance, A+, and electronic equipment.
| Program Support Specialist | Signal Support Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $39,327 | $49,385 |
| Hourly rate | $18.91 | $23.74 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 169,855 | 122,901 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A program support specialist is responsible for monitoring the overall program aspects of an organization from the conceptualization to the final execution. Program support specialists negotiate contracts and transactions with the suppliers and vendors for resources that meet the funding and budget limitations. They process documents and assist the program staff in coordinating with other organizations for program plans and potential sponsorships. A program support specialist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling the program objectives and ensure client satisfaction.
In the military, a signal support specialist is in charge of providing signal support systems and device communication on the battlefield. Their responsibilities typically include operating radio equipment and networks, installing and maintaining communication systems, and providing technical assistance to the workforce. They must also perform regular maintenance checks on equipment, performing corrective measures and adjustments when necessary. Furthermore, as a signal support specialist, it is essential to be proactive and alert as the conditions on the battlefield can be unpredictable.
Program support specialists and signal support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Program Support Specialist | Signal Support Specialist | |
| Average salary | $39,327 | $49,385 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $58,000 | Between $29,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Urban Honolulu, HI | - |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | - |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a program support specialist and a signal support specialist in terms of educational background:
| Program Support Specialist | Signal Support Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between program support specialists' and signal support specialists' demographics:
| Program Support Specialist | Signal Support Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 24.7% Female, 75.3% | Male, 80.5% Female, 19.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 10.5% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 10.6% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |