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The differences between systems integrators and systems support engineers 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 support engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a systems integrator has an average salary of $102,867, which is higher than the $82,561 average annual salary of a systems support engineer.
The top three skills for a systems integrator include architecture, troubleshoot and project management. The most important skills for a systems support engineer are linux, troubleshoot, and technical support.
| Systems Integrator | Systems Support Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $102,867 | $82,561 |
| Hourly rate | $49.46 | $39.69 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 98,466 | 182,434 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| 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 support engineers are information technology professionals who are responsible for building and maintaining the IT infrastructure of an organization. They are required to provide network administration and technical support to identify complex problem issues and come up with solutions to solve them. They must assist the system support engineers in accomplishing any projects they are working with. They must troubleshoot servers, personal computers, and peripheral equipment while liaising with their customers. They must also create and maintain user accounts and implement group policy management through an active directory.
Systems integrators and systems support engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Integrator | Systems Support Engineer | |
| Average salary | $102,867 | $82,561 |
| Salary range | Between $76,000 And $138,000 | Between $62,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a systems integrator and a systems support engineer in terms of educational background:
| Systems Integrator | Systems Support Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems integrators' and systems support engineers' demographics:
| Systems Integrator | Systems Support Engineer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9% | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 11.5% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |