IT and computer professionals generally have above-average salaries and a good job outlook. A computer user support specialist in the US earns an average salary of $63,345, while computer network support specialists make $78,131.72, according to Lightcast 1, 2. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field will grow by 5 percent between 2022 and 2032, which exceeds the average across all jobs 3. Keep in mind that factors like location, industry, and experience level can influence your earning potential.

Cloud computing

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• Check the educational requirements listed on individual job descriptions to know what different employers expect.
• Specialists employed by technology companies or financial institutions generally earn more compared to those in other sectors.
• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), IT support specialists in the US make a median pay of $60,810 per year or $29.24 per hour 1.
• The increasing reliance on technology and the need for technical assistance in various industries contribute to this growth.
• Some of them are also conventional, meaning they’re conscientious and conservative.

An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. In this article, we’ll review different career paths you can explore when you’re interested in IT. Communication skills and customer service skills are also important to the success of an IT support specialist.

How difficult is it to hire an IT Support Specialist?

Technical and computer support engineers may increase earnings through certifications, experience, and more. Learn about how much you can earn in the field of tech support engineering and the average technical support engineer salary. To ensure success as an IT support specialist, you should possess extensive experience in providing information technology support in a fast-paced environment. Top-notch IT support specialists contribute to increased productivity by ensuring that company IT systems run efficiently. IT support specialists must collaborate effectively with their colleagues to resolve complex issues. In review, IT Support Specialists are crucial for ensuring network systems run smoothly, maintaining IT infrastructure, and protecting data.

What Does an IT Support Specialist Career Look Like?

While a degree is not always mandatory for a Support Specialist role, having one in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field can be beneficial. Other critical skills include patience, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure. This could be achieved through on-the-job training, workshops, or additional courses. They also respond to queries, run diagnostic programs, isolate problems, and determine and implement solutions with a goal of maintaining productivity and minimizing downtime. The successful candidate will be a tech-savvy individual who is able to troubleshoot and resolve problems promptly and effectively. Support Specialists are the go-to people when customers encounter problems or have questions about a company’s products or services.

Projected Growth of IT Support Specialist Positions

This position requires an array of skills, including an ability to work with software systems, computer hardware, and client computer systems. The prevalence of Internet and network systems in the 21st century has created a wide range of job prospects for technical support specialists. Web development If you have technical and customer support skills, then you might be interested in becoming an IT support specialist. To advance in a career as an IT Support Specialist, professionals can pursue certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP).

Flexible work schedules are common in the IT field, allowing professionals to choose when they work within reason. Most IT Support Specialists have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. From supporting internal employees and helping to keep them productive to assisting external customers, an IT specialist seems to handle it all. “I like that I was able to go to school for two years at a reasonable rate, learn skills that made me highly sought after and now have the opportunity to work wherever I want,” he says. If you get a kick out of solving technical problems and helping people, this career could be the one for you. With our thorough IT Support Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the leap.

• If you get a kick out of solving technical problems and helping people, this career could be the one for you.
• For IT Support Specialists, the career ladder can lead to a variety of paths, each offering its own set of challenges and rewards.
• By keeping up with industry trends like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and remote work, you can enhance your skills as an IT Support Specialist and stay competitive in the ever-changing IT landscape.
• IT professionals typically earn higher salaries, but the amount can vary by role, location, and experience.
• IT Support Specialists should actively engage in professional communities and seek relationships that can foster career growth.

Encouragement for Aspiring IT Support Specialists

Alternatively, if you’re doing a longer course, you may be offered the opportunity for an internship or a short placement. Most people who study for technical degrees attend a community college locally. If this fits your needs, SysAdmin / IT Support Specialist job be aware that courses can differ from college to college. Climb Hire is a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing low-income and overlooked working adults for a career in tech.

• Familiarity with a broad range of tools and technologies is essential to effectively troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.
• The ideal candidate for an IT Support Specialist job should have a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field.
• Many in the beginning phases of their IT career work in computer support roles that support many different aspects of computer operations.
• Software developers, or software engineers, create computer programs that are used to accomplish any number of tasks—your internet browser, music streaming service, and online video conference app are all examples of software.
• With CompTIA A+, you can get an IT support specialist job with no prior experience or education in IT.

Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information. Keep in mind that, as an entry-level IT support specialist, you might have the chance to select a niche or role that corresponds with your career aspirations. Possible options include help desk technicians and service desk analysts, among others.