IT Support Specialist vs Rust 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.
Rust Developer
Build systems-level software with memory safety using Rust.
Rust 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 Rust Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Rust Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $195,079 | IT $102,271 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $166,830 | IT $93,913 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $191,304 | IT $104,337 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $154,567 | IT $85,323 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $143,868 | IT $78,991 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $179,869 | IT $100,654 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £106,048 | IT $58,050 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$177,835 | IT $93,639 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Rust Developer earn more?+
A Rust 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 Rust Developer — a difference of $74,120 (120%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Rust Developer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Rust Developer demand is growing at 32% YoY. Rust Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to Rust 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 Rust Developer?+
Rust Developer has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.