IT Support Specialist vs AR/VR Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
AR/VR Developer earns more on average — the national median is $74,120/year (120%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs AR/VR Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | AR/VR Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $194,489 | IT $101,681 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $166,830 | IT $93,913 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $188,885 | IT $101,918 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $153,759 | IT $84,515 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $144,495 | IT $79,618 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $172,806 | IT $93,591 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £103,650 | IT $55,652 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$175,134 | IT $90,938 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or AR/VR Developer earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $135,980/year for a AR/VR Developer — a difference of $74,120 (120%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or AR/VR Developer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while AR/VR Developer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to AR/VR Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — IT Support Specialist or AR/VR Developer?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.