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The differences between support clerks and support representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a support clerk, becoming a support representative takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a support clerk has an average salary of $35,159, which is higher than the $33,372 average annual salary of a support representative.
The top three skills for a support clerk include customer service, data entry and patients. The most important skills for a support representative are patients, customer service, and troubleshoot.
| Support Clerk | Support Representative | |
| Yearly salary | $35,159 | $33,372 |
| Hourly rate | $16.90 | $16.04 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 163,168 | 246,710 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Average age | 47 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A support clerk is primarily in charge of performing administrative support tasks in an office, making the daily workflow easier. Their responsibilities typically include preparing and processing documentation, answering and forwarding calls, handling correspondence, disseminating and organizing files, and running errands as needed. They may also update databases, maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a support clerk, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating to ensure efficient and smooth workplace operations.
The primary job of technical support representatives is to answer incoming calls and resolve customer problems or complaints related to computer hardware and software. They typically work in team environments and report directly to the technical department manager. Aside from answering phone calls, they also maintain the solutions database and respond to online chat requests and technical support emails. A successful technical support representative should have an in-depth knowledge of diagnosing and fixing computer problems, customer service skills, and problem-solving skills.
Support clerks and support representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Support Clerk | Support Representative | |
| Average salary | $35,159 | $33,372 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $54,000 | Between $26,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Diego, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a support clerk and a support representative in terms of educational background:
| Support Clerk | Support Representative | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between support clerks' and support representatives' demographics:
| Support Clerk | Support Representative | |
| Average age | 47 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 26.1% Female, 73.9% | Male, 44.4% Female, 55.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 8.4% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 7% |