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Technology career
IT Support Specialist
Also called: Help Desk Technician · Desktop Support Technician · Technical Support Specialist · Computer User Support Specialist
What IT support specialists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an IT support specialist do?
IT support specialists help employees and customers with computer hardware, software, accounts and network problems: answering help desk tickets, setting up devices, troubleshooting issues and keeping systems secure. The median pay is $61,860 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–6 months, and employment is projected to grow -3.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$61,860$29.74/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-3.5%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year39,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationSome college, no degreeBLS classification
- Time to train3–6 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs750,600Employment, 2025
What IT support specialists do
IT support is the front line of technology. Specialists reset passwords, set up laptops and phones, install software, fix printer and Wi-Fi problems, manage user accounts, and escalate complex issues to network or systems teams, all while explaining tech in plain language.
Many people enter IT support with certifications such as CompTIA A+ or the Google IT Support Professional Certificate rather than a degree. It is the most common starting point for careers in networking, cybersecurity, cloud and systems administration.
Typical duties
- Respond to help desk tickets, calls and chats
- Troubleshoot hardware, software and connectivity issues
- Set up and configure computers, phones and peripherals
- Manage user accounts, passwords and permissions
- Install updates and support security tools
- Document solutions in the ticketing system and knowledge base
- Escalate complex problems to higher-tier teams
Work environment and schedule
IT support specialists work for companies of every kind, managed service providers (MSPs), schools and government. Work happens at help desks, in offices or remotely; desktop support may involve walking between buildings.
Schedule: Usually full-time. Some help desks run evenings, weekends or 24/7 shifts; on-call rotations are common.
A day in the life
- Review the ticket queue and prioritize an executive whose laptop won’t boot.
- Diagnose the laptop, restore from backup and get the executive working on a loaner.
- Reset passwords and unlock accounts after verifying identities.
- Set up laptops for three new hires using the company image and MFA enrollment.
See a full day in the life of an IT support specialist →
IT Support Specialist salary
Half of IT support specialists earned more than $61,860 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $40,980 for the lowest 10% to $100,540 for the top 10%.
Full IT support specialist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an IT support specialist
- Learn the fundamentals
- Earn CompTIA A+ or a Google certificate
- Build hands-on experience
- Land a help desk role
- Specialize
BLS lists some college as typical. Many employers hire help desk technicians with certifications such as CompTIA A+ or the Google IT Support Professional Certificate; associate and bachelor’s degrees help with advancement.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an IT support specialist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Windows and macOS troubleshooting
- Active Directory and Microsoft 365 administration
- Networking basics (IP, DNS, DHCP)
- Hardware setup and repair
- Ticketing systems
People skills
- Patience
- Explaining technical topics simply
- Customer service
- Logical troubleshooting
All IT support specialist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Enter tech without a degree
- Clear path into networking, security and cloud
- Many industries and remote options
- Certifications are affordable and fast
Cons
- Repetitive tickets and frustrated users
- Entry-level pay is modest
- Some shift and on-call work
- Constant learning to keep up
Certifications and licenses
- CompTIA A+: The industry-standard entry-level IT support certification.
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate: An online program covering support fundamentals.
- CompTIA Network+ and Security+: Next-step certifications for networking and security.
- ITIL 4 Foundation: Framework for IT service management processes.
Career path
- Help Desk Technician: Resolve tier-1 tickets.
- Desktop Support or Tier-2 Specialist: Handle escalations and device management.
- Systems or Network Administrator: Manage servers, networks and cloud services.
- Security, Cloud or IT Manager: Specialize or lead IT teams.
Learn the job before day one
Our IT Support Specialist training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as troubleshoot a “no internet” ticket and reset a password securely, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: IT Support Specialist vs. Network Administrator · IT Support Specialist vs. Cybersecurity Analyst · IT Support Specialist vs. Customer Service Rep · IT Support Specialist vs. Web Developer
IT Support Specialist FAQ
Can I get an IT job without a degree?
Yes. Many help desk roles hire candidates with certifications such as CompTIA A+ and demonstrated skills.
What’s the next step after IT support?
Common paths include network administration, systems administration, cybersecurity and cloud engineering.
Is IT support remote?
Many help desk roles are remote or hybrid, though desktop support often requires on-site work.
How much does an IT support specialist make?
The median annual wage for IT support specialists was $61,860 ($29.74 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,980 and the highest 10% earned more than $100,540.
How long does it take to become an IT support specialist?
Most people need about 3–6 months of training. BLS lists some college as typical. Many employers hire help desk technicians with certifications such as CompTIA A+ or the Google IT Support Professional Certificate; associate and bachelor’s degrees help with advancement.
Do you need a degree to be an IT support specialist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “some college, no degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More IT support specialist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 15-1232 (Computer user support specialists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Computer user support specialists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.