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Program support technician vs program support assistant

The differences between program support technicians and program support assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a program support technician, becoming a program support assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a program support assistant has an average salary of $41,107, which is higher than the $36,653 average annual salary of a program support technician.

The top three skills for a program support technician include program support, data entry and DMV. The most important skills for a program support assistant are patients, veterans, and program support.

Program support technician vs program support assistant overview

Program Support TechnicianProgram Support Assistant
Yearly salary$36,653$41,107
Hourly rate$17.62$19.76
Growth rate10%12%
Number of jobs160,368163,716
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4243
Years of experience212

What does a program support technician do?

Program support technicians require administrative experience and skills in communication, organization, and proficiency with office software to do their best. This career choice demands showcasing support for users by answering their questions, resolving technical issues, and maintaining the network, software, and computer equipment of the respective company.

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.

Program support technician vs program support assistant salary

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

Program Support TechnicianProgram Support Assistant
Average salary$36,653$41,107
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $52,000Between $30,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityLong Beach, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateHawaiiConnecticut
Best paying companyMandiantNew York State Restaurant Association
Best paying industryHealth CareGovernment

Differences between program support technician and program support assistant education

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

Program Support TechnicianProgram Support Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldNorthwestern University

Program support technician vs program support assistant demographics

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

Program Support TechnicianProgram Support Assistant
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 32.2% Female, 67.8%Male, 27.7% Female, 72.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.2% Asian, 9.6% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between program support technician and program support assistant duties and responsibilities

Program support technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage facility projects, produce facility reports preventive maintenance, work orders and administer maintenance program using CMMS and SCADA.
  • Prepare and process all payroll and personnel transactions, travel arrangements and reimbursements.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations for online circulation and print distribution to articulate departmental goals.
  • Utilize the tracking system to enter all demographics for tenant petitions, capitol improvements, voluntary agreements and substantial rehabilitation cases.
  • Communicate daily with medical center staff within the VISN, insurance companies, and co-workers.

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.
  • Show more

Program support technician vs program support assistant skills

Common program support technician skills
  • Program Support, 17%
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • DMV, 9%
  • Office Equipment, 7%
  • Technical Support, 7%
  • Motor Vehicle, 6%
Common program support assistant skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • Veterans, 10%
  • Program Support, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 4%

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