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Software trainer vs help desk analyst

The differences between software trainers and help desk analysts 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 trainer and a help desk analyst. Additionally, a software trainer has an average salary of $68,647, which is higher than the $37,318 average annual salary of a help desk analyst.

The top three skills for a software trainer include software training, training materials and training classes. The most important skills for a help desk analyst are customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.

Software trainer vs help desk analyst overview

Software TrainerHelp Desk Analyst
Yearly salary$68,647$37,318
Hourly rate$33.00$17.94
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs37,10087,591
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does a software trainer do?

Software Trainers are training specialists who teach computer programs and applications like desktop publishing programs, computer network systems software, and spreadsheets. They effectively explain the technical complexities of computer software. They plan, prepare, and research lessons for the trainees. They also check and assess the work of the students and give them feedback.

What does a help desk analyst do?

Help Desk Analysts generally provide technical support by assisting customers with their system issues. These analysts are expected to be highly knowledgeable about application processes and basic troubleshooting. Help Desk Analysts usually communicate with end-users through phone calls or e-mail and are required to attend on customers technical issues promptly. Depending on the expertise, the Help Desk Analysts are often categorized to support levels wherein the most complex issues are often handle by the highest tier. The Help Desk Analysts must have critical-thinking skills on solving network problems and document specific concerns and progress.

Software trainer vs help desk analyst salary

Software trainers and help desk analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Software TrainerHelp Desk Analyst
Average salary$68,647$37,318
Salary rangeBetween $57,000 And $81,000Between $26,000 And $52,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBoston, MA
Highest paying stateOregonMassachusetts
Best paying companyHenry ScheinPacific Investment Management Company LLC
Best paying industryUtilitiesGovernment

Differences between software trainer and help desk analyst education

There are a few differences between a software trainer and a help desk analyst in terms of educational background:

Software TrainerHelp Desk Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorBusinessComputer Information Systems
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Software trainer vs help desk analyst demographics

Here are the differences between software trainers' and help desk analysts' demographics:

Software TrainerHelp Desk Analyst
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 44.3% Female, 55.7%Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 10.8% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 11.1% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between software trainer and help desk analyst duties and responsibilities

Software trainer example responsibilities.

  • Manage projects with outside vendors to create additional elearning and materials.
  • Design and code GUI interface.
  • Install and configure TCP/IP network protocols.
  • Train all support staff on new EHR system.
  • Develop custom Linux operating systems for low end machines.
  • Train and lecture users in the proper use of PCs.
  • Show more

Help desk analyst example responsibilities.

  • Used Java script for client side validations and to achieve other client-side functionality.
  • Manage TCP/IP base campus data communications facilities.
  • Manage security, reliability, and configurations for data backup and recovery for client workstations.
  • Resolve technical issues with software applications, PCs, connectivity problems, and software/hardware installations and administrations.
  • Analyze and resolve issues with Linux and Java base POS systems.
  • Provide user access support via VPN, SSL/VPN, CITRIX, for authentication and account issues.
  • Show more

Software trainer vs help desk analyst skills

Common software trainer skills
  • Software Training, 9%
  • Training Materials, 7%
  • Training Classes, 7%
  • EMR, 6%
  • Training Sessions, 6%
  • Windows, 5%
Common help desk analyst skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Technical Support, 6%
  • Phone Calls, 4%
  • Remote Desktop, 3%
  • Technical Issues, 3%

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