Organizations everywhere remain hungry for software developers and engineers. But software developers and engineers aren’t employers’ only hiring focus: IT support specialists, IT project managers, systems engineers/architects, and network engineers/architects are all in demand.
In fact, IT support specialists are some of the most common job postings in tech. Organizations everywhere need these specialists, who ensure that systems keep running smoothly and securely.
According to the latest Dice Tech Salary Report, technical support engineers earn $77,228 per year, up 0.1 percent year-over-year. Help desk technicians, meanwhile, earn an average of $55,872, up 6.9 percent year-over-year. That’s significantly lower than the average tech salary, which stands at $111,348 annually, up 2.3 percent year-over-year.
But for those who want to break into the tech industry, enjoy helping people, or simply like solving problems, a position as an IT support specialist, help desk technician, or technical support engineer can prove ideal. Many tech professionals use these jobs as a jumping-off point for other roles, including project manager and software engineer. Also, keep in mind that average salaries can always rise with experience and skill.
Moreover, IT support specialist, help desk technician, and technical support engineer are all roles with a certain degree of job security. Even as the technology industry evolves and new types of hardware emerge, folks will still need help with their PCs and associated devices (such as printers). Except for a few isolated cases, the job doesn’t require an advanced degree, and job postings only ask for certifications (such as Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) or CompTIA Security+) on an occasional basis.
As companies build out their tech stacks, the need for all kinds of support specialists will only increase. Many schools and educational organizations offer support-related classes and training; the current and widespread demand for technologists means you can probably persuade your employer to pay for your continuing education.
