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The differences between technical consultants and technical advisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a technical consultant, becoming a technical advisor takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a technical advisor has an average salary of $106,686, which is higher than the $89,290 average annual salary of a technical consultant.
The top three skills for a technical consultant include java, database and customer service. The most important skills for a technical advisor are java, customer service, and provisioning.
| Technical Consultant | Technical Advisor | |
| Yearly salary | $89,290 | $106,686 |
| Hourly rate | $42.93 | $51.29 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 173,374 | 118,740 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A technical consultant is an individual who provides technical support and performs troubleshooting functions for the company's product or application. A consultant should be highly knowledgeable about the product or application so that he/she can assist users and clients with whatever issues they may be facing. A bachelor's degree is required to work as a technical consultant, particularly a degree in Computer Science or Engineering. Also, a consultant should conduct training sessions and therefore, must possess excellent communication skills.
Technical advisors are experts in a specific field of knowledge, offering information and advice to those in the field. They develop applications, coordinate the activities of technicians, and provide technical expertise. They offer advice and suggestions to specialists. The skills they need to possess include multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service. They are also required to be savvy in terms of information technology, business practices, and have significant experience in this field.
Technical consultants and technical advisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Consultant | Technical Advisor | |
| Average salary | $89,290 | $106,686 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $118,000 | Between $79,000 And $143,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Kentfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman | Perkins Coie |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a technical consultant and a technical advisor in terms of educational background:
| Technical Consultant | Technical Advisor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between technical consultants' and technical advisors' demographics:
| Technical Consultant | Technical Advisor | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9% | Male, 72.7% Female, 27.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 15.3% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 11.7% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |