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The differences between senior information technology specialists and information technology systems 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 systems manager takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, an information technology systems manager has an average salary of $130,526, 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 systems manager are customer service, project management, and network infrastructure.
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $103,478 | $130,526 |
| Hourly rate | $49.75 | $62.75 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 111,996 | 156,656 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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.
An information technology systems manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the organization's technology systems. Information technology systems managers ensure the safety and security of all the network systems, developing standard operating procedures to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities. They also identify technical opportunities to improve network infrastructures and technology solutions. An information technology systems manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to design configuration and maintain the stability of systems.
Senior information technology specialists and information technology systems managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average salary | $103,478 | $130,526 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $136,000 | Between $95,000 And $178,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Ropes & Gray | Southern California Edison |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a senior information technology specialist and an information technology systems manager in terms of educational background:
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between senior information technology specialists' and information technology systems managers' demographics:
| Senior Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology Systems Manager | |
| Average age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 12.6% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |