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The differences between software support technicians and network support technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a software support technician and a network support technician. Additionally, a software support technician has an average salary of $79,670, which is higher than the $48,622 average annual salary of a network support technician.
The top three skills for a software support technician include customer service, troubleshoot and java. The most important skills for a network support technician are troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service.
| Software Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $79,670 | $48,622 |
| Hourly rate | $38.30 | $23.38 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 117,059 | 120,245 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A software support technician is responsible for resolving software application issues, diagnosing related system failures, and writing resolution reports for reference. Software support technicians must be highly-familiarized with the system's infrastructure and interface to immediately diagnose malfunctions and identify maintenance techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of downtimes and delays. They also assist the system engineers in the configuration and optimization of networks, including the installment of upgrades and patch updates. A software support technician must have excellent organizational and communication skills, especially in navigating computer tools and applications to create support tickets and fix the customers' issues efficiently.
A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Software support technicians and network support technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Average salary | $79,670 | $48,622 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $113,000 | Between $38,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Troy, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | RSM US | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a software support technician and a network support technician in terms of educational background:
| Software Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between software support technicians' and network support technicians' demographics:
| Software Support Technician | Network Support Technician | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.8% Female, 26.2% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 12.4% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 8.7% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 9% |