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The differences between systems integrators and systems specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a systems integrator, becoming a systems specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a systems integrator has an average salary of $102,867, which is higher than the $86,020 average annual salary of a systems specialist.
The top three skills for a systems integrator include architecture, troubleshoot and project management. The most important skills for a systems specialist are customer service, veterans, and troubleshoot.
| Systems Integrator | Systems Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $102,867 | $86,020 |
| Hourly rate | $49.46 | $41.36 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 98,466 | 127,812 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
In the information technology (IT) industry, a systems integrator specializes in designing and developing computing systems using a variety of software, hardware, and other subsystems. To carry out their duties, they must communicate with clients to identify their IT needs and preferences, perform research and analysis to determine the ideal IT practices, troubleshoot issues, liaise with subsystem vendors, and develop strategies to optimize operations. Moreover, a systems integrator typically works with a team of IT specialists and engineers, requiring an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Systems specialists are professionals who maintain, troubleshoot, and install information and computer systems. They identify the software, data, and hardware needs of companies. Generally, they work in physically demanding indoor environments installing complicated networks. They manage, lead, and coordinate technical support for new software, upgrades, and products. Also, they configure systems for the users and assess data from different sources to make a decision.
Systems integrators and systems specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Integrator | Systems Specialist | |
| Average salary | $102,867 | $86,020 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $138,000 | Between $61,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a systems integrator and a systems specialist in terms of educational background:
| Systems Integrator | Systems Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems integrators' and systems specialists' demographics:
| Systems Integrator | Systems Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 74.2% Female, 25.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.7% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |