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The differences between senior information technology specialists and information technology support managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a senior information technology specialist, becoming an information technology support manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an information technology support manager has an average salary of $104,424, which is higher than the $103,478 average annual salary of a senior information technology specialist.
The top three skills for a senior information technology specialist include customer service, database and technical support. The most important skills for an information technology support manager are customer service, ITIL, and project management.
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $103,478 | $104,424 |
| Hourly rate | $49.75 | $50.20 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 111,996 | 162,131 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 8 |
A senior information technology specialist is responsible for handling technology systems and network issues, ensuring the efficiency and optimal performance of the database by configuration and improving network infrastructures. Senior information technology specialists also design computer systems and applications to support business functions and operations, depending on the requirements and budget limitations. They create resolution reports for reference and recommend strategic techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of defects and malfunctions. A senior information technology specialist must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in responding to the end-users' inquiries and concerns about the servers.
Information technology support manager primarily supervises information technology support staff, oversees system and software maintenance, and repairs. They assist with computer equipment installation and purchasing and maintaining a secure network and connectivity for users. It is part of their role to coordinate training and development for new technology users. Another vital role is they monitor online security for users and networks and takes appropriate steps to address possible security breaches if necessary. Moreover, they also develop contingency plans to address any equipment, power, or possible security failure to ensure the protection of technology and data.
Senior information technology specialists and information technology support managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average salary | $103,478 | $104,424 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $136,000 | Between $76,000 And $142,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Ropes & Gray | Clinica Sierra Vista |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Finance |
There are a few differences between a senior information technology specialist and an information technology support manager in terms of educational background:
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between senior information technology specialists' and information technology support managers' demographics:
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Support Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 82.2% Female, 17.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 14.1% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 12.6% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |