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The differences between systems support specialists and service support specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a systems support specialist and a service support specialist. Additionally, a systems support specialist has an average salary of $61,744, which is higher than the $43,538 average annual salary of a service support specialist.
The top three skills for a systems support specialist include customer service, troubleshoot and technical support. The most important skills for a service support specialist are customer service, support services, and social work.
| Systems Support Specialist | Service Support Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $61,744 | $43,538 |
| Hourly rate | $29.68 | $20.93 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 159,364 | 125,209 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A systems support specialist is responsible for assisting end-users on system issues, including network configuration and improving network infrastructure. System support specialists implement network strategies alongside the whole technology team to boost the system's efficiency and optimal performance. They create resolution reports for reference and write recommendations to prevent system defects and inconsistencies. A systems support specialist also handles network installations and upgrades, requiring them to have excellent technical skills and knowledge of programming languages.
A service support specialist's role is to assist clients by addressing and resolving their inquiries, concerns, and complaints. Their responsibilities typically revolve around responding to calls and correspondence, troubleshooting, analyzing customer needs, identifying the root of issues, and providing the necessary corrective measures, all to ensure efficiency and client satisfaction. There are also instances when they must perform follow-up calls, offer products and services, process payments, and even manage accounts. Furthermore, as a service support analyst, it is essential to engage with clients in a friendly yet professional approach, in adherence to the company's policies and regulations.
Systems support specialists and service support specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Systems Support Specialist | Service Support Specialist | |
| Average salary | $61,744 | $43,538 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $91,000 | Between $26,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Centreville, VA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Koch Industries | Cheniere Energy |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a systems support specialist and a service support specialist in terms of educational background:
| Systems Support Specialist | Service Support Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 50% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between systems support specialists' and service support specialists' demographics:
| Systems Support Specialist | Service Support Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.4% Female, 26.6% | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 10.6% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 10.6% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |