IT Support Specialist vs Robotics Engineer: 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.
Robotics Engineer
Design and program robotic systems for industrial, medical, and consumer use.
Robotics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $68,402/year (111%) 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 Robotics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Robotics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $191,598 | IT $98,790 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $135,300 | IT $62,383 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $183,389 | IT $96,422 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $144,607 | IT $75,363 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $141,411 | IT $76,534 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $172,165 | IT $92,950 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £98,900 | IT $50,902 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$169,077 | IT $84,881 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Robotics Engineer earn more?+
A Robotics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $130,262/year for a Robotics Engineer — a difference of $68,402 (111%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Robotics Engineer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Robotics Engineer demand is growing at 35% YoY. Robotics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to Robotics Engineer?+
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 Robotics Engineer?+
Robotics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.