IT support might not be one of the most glamorous tech jobs, but it’s a smart path to consider if you’re looking for a career that pays well and offers strong job security. Often overlooked as a behind-the-scenes job, IT support offers competitive salaries, diverse opportunities and flexibility that many fail to recognize.
With more companies moving online and adopting new technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the need for IT support has become more urgent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of IT support jobs will grow at least 15% in the next decade — more than three times faster than the average for all occupations.
Currently, there are more than 300,000 unfilled IT support jobs in the U.S. The demand is so high that companies are increasingly hiring people without bachelor’s degrees to address critical labor shortages in IT support. Most IT support jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED, as well as the completion of an online certification or training.
Google offers an IT support certificate as part of its skilling initiative, which provides lessons and certifications for in-demand skills including IT support, cybersecurity and data analytics. The IT support certificate can be completed in as little as 3 months and costs $49 monthly. Other organizations, including Amazon Web Services and CompTIA, also offer comparable certificates.
Some of the most popular jobs in IT support include computer support specialists, help desk analysts and IT support technicians. While the day-to-day responsibilities differ between each role, the core skills remain consistent across jobs. IT support professionals should be proficient at diagnosing and resolving technical issues.
Strong communication and customer service skills are equally important in this field. IT support professionals need to be both a techie and a people person. It’s a problem-solving role that requires active listening, understanding issues, and effectively communicating solutions to individuals with varying levels of technical comfort.
Opportunities in IT support exist across various industries, including manufacturing, health care, education, tech, and business. Major companies such as Wells Fargo, Verizon, and Dell Technologies actively recruit graduates from IT support certificate programs.
Additionally, the average pay for several IT support jobs exceeds $100,000. According to Glassdoor, the median salary for system analysts is around $135,000, while database administrators can earn about $118,000 a year. There are also numerous remote IT support jobs available, with some offering salaries upwards of $150,000 annually.
Ultimately, pursuing a career in IT support is a wise decision, as it is a growing field with a clear need for skilled professionals. Enrolling in an IT support training program can be the first step toward a fulfilling career that is both rewarding and in high demand.
Source: CNBC
