An IT support professional is a highly trained expert who has extensive experience with many types of computer hardware and software. Those who are good with computers and can solve problems creatively might think about working in this profession. In this article we will discuss the salary of a senior IT support specialist, how much they make per hour, how much they make at entry level and how much they make in NYC.
It’s important to define who and what an IT support specialist is before discussing their average salary.
What is an IT Support Specialist?
An IT (information technology) support specialist helps both companies and individuals use and troubleshoot their IT infrastructure, including computer systems, applications, and networks. They may work for an in-house IT department or for a third-party IT firm.
Installing and configuring hardware and software, as well as managing computer systems and networks, are among their core tasks. End-users may also receive training on how to make the most of and avoid security flaws in a variety of technologies. They may also be responsible for developing and executing information technology solutions that boost the effectiveness and efficiency of a business as a whole.
What Does an It Support Specialist Do?
The IT Support Specialist’s primary responsibility will be the upkeep of the business’s technological infrastructure. Accordingly, the IT Support Specialist will be called upon to assist the workers with any computer or office phone issues. An IT support specialist may also need to be well-versed with the company’s software, as well as the hardware (such as the PC) and operating systems in use.
Furthermore, the field of IT support can be broken down into two primary categories: those who deal directly with customers and those who work in-house. In-house work entails being employed by a business to resolve technological challenges within the organization. But if you’re in a position where you interact directly with clients, you’ll likely be responsible for their needs. If you work for a company that makes personal computers, for instance, you’d have to address client concerns about the product. This could be done by any number of channels, including but not limited to the internet, the telephone, and in-person meetings.
Types of IT Support Specialists
An individual’s title and responsibilities in the IT support field may change depending on their area of expertise and the company they work for. A few examples of the many different kinds of IT support specialists are as follows:
- Help Desk Support Specialist. Technicians working at help desks respond to inquiries from customers via phone, email, and live chat. They investigate and fix hardware, software, network, and other types of technological difficulties.
- Cloud Support Specialist. Specialists in cloud support oversee and provide assistance with all of a company’s cloud-based software and services. They diagnose and fix problems with cloud-based services like storage, security, and accessibility.
- Desktop Support Specialist. Desktop support professionals investigate and fix problems with computers and related hardware, including personal computers, notebooks, and peripherals like printers, scanners, and projectors.
- Database Support Specialist. Professional database administrators guarantee the integrity and safety of an organization’s data. They ensure data integrity, resolve database-related issues, and set up safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to private information.
- Network Support Specialist. Specialists in network support set up and troubleshoot firewalls, switches, and other components of computer networks. They develop security measures for networks, solve issues that arise on networks, and guarantee connectivity.
- Security Support Specialist. Specialists in security assistance set up and keep up the safeguards that keep a company’s data and IT systems safe. They also keep an eye out for security issues, do audits, and put in place fixes for networks.
What Are the Daily Tasks of an IT Support Specialist?
Factors like the company’s size, whether you’re delivering services inside or outside, where you’re located (you might work remotely, for instance), and so on all influence what you do on a typical day.
Accordingly, the following tasks are representative of what an IT Support Specialist might do on a daily basis:
- Help people who are having problems with their computers.
- Provide feedback on IT repair, support, question, and complaint requests
- Connect users with the relevant IT staff by forwarding their messages and calls
- Manage incoming tickets with the use of a computerized tracking system
- Propose changes to existing computer infrastructure
- Offer written records of interactions with and responses to customers
- Maintain and improve system performance by means of upgrades and management.
- Upgrade your company’s productivity and management tools.
- Educate workers on the latest tools and best practices
- Keep security records updated and backed up.
Skills for an It Support Specialist
What is the average cost of a terrible hire? Give it some serious consideration. It’s possible that the price of a lousy hire is higher than you anticipate. According to the US Department of Labor, it’s 30% of a new hire’s salary in the first year. That’s a lot of money, especially for a startup, so it’s important to get it right the first time.
However, you should exercise caution while interacting with IT support specialists. If you’re not a techie yourself, it’s easy to fall for someone who has impressive skills in that area. After all, clients and workers look to tech specialists for their understanding of the field and the products available to them.
Excellent IT support To be successful in this role, candidates require more than just skills in technology. They must be equipped with both analytical and interpersonal abilities. That is to say, they should also have a charismatic character. Finding an IT support specialist with the necessary mix of these skills is challenging.
Here are top skills that a good IT support specialist should have.
#1. Analytical
You work to address a lot of difficulties, and many of them are extremely technical in nature. It is up to you to assess the predicament and determine what course of action would be most appropriate. It’s possible for numerous factors to contribute to a system error, and a competent IT support professional knows this.
#2. Communication
The majority of your time in this position will be spent talking to clients or internal staff. You should feel at ease and articulate when communicating through telephone. Also, you should be able to express yourself clearly and concisely in writing if you plan to use email or a live chat function to assist customers.
#3. Problem Solving
It’s hard to be a support system for someone. Usually, you find people at the worst possible moments. So, someone who can take criticism without taking it to heart is what you seek. You need someone who can ignore the bigger picture and concentrate solely on the technical details. Also, you should hire someone who is optimistic, has good judgment, and can keep their cool under pressure.
#4. Patience
Your users won’t have your level of expertise in IT systems, so don’t expect them to know everything. Being cool and calm will serve you well as you patiently explain to the user how to resolve the issue.
#5. Technical
A thorough familiarity with computer programming and hardware is required. You won’t be able to help your users unless you figure out how these things function.
The costs associated with hiring mistakes are high. Especially with technical support staff hires, you want to do it right the first time. It’s important to hire people who have strong technical abilities, a magnetic presence, and a willingness to work with others.
Candidates should be team players, have a genuine interest in assisting others, be motivated to deliver exceptional customer service, and be able to put themselves in the shoes of the individuals they will be assisting.
However, It’s not simple to meet someone with all of those skills, but you shouldn’t give up seeking. That’s the most surefire method to succeed. If you need to hire an IT support specialist, take your time and do it right.
What Qualifications Do You Need for an IT Support Specialist?
Here are some of the qualities you need for the position of an IT specialist.
- A four-year degree in an IT-related field, such as computer science or information technology
- A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working in IT support
- Superior aptitude at answering technical questions and addressing issues
- Expertise in all aspects of computer systems and networks
- Capability to assess user training requirements and IT needs
- Knowledge of IT service desk programs like Freshservice and SysAid is a plus
- Ability to record procedures and track performance indicators
- Expertise in database administration and system protection
- Capability to keep up with the latest developments in information technology
- High levels of sociability and verbal fluency
How to Become an It Support Specialist
If you want a career in IT support, follow these steps:
#1. Obtain a College Degree
Employers in today’s market are on the lookout for qualified people that have excellent computer abilities. Candidates without degrees may be considered, although those with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in computer science or a similar field have a leg up on the competition. Whether or not you decide to pursue higher education, you will certainly require training of some kind to perform adequately in this role.
#2. Improve Your Soft Skills
Focus on honing the “soft skills” you’ll need in this profession with your technical expertise. Participate in active listening to demonstrate that you can grasp a user’s situation completely and offer effective assistance. Because chatting on the phone is a significant aspect of this position, you should be fluent in English and have excellent listening skills.
#3. Try to Get an Internship or Entry-Level Position
There are several opportunities for new graduates to enter the field of information technology, and one of those is through internships. Ask relevant questions and make an effort to network as much as possible during your internship. Internships frequently lead to permanent employment opportunities. Also, read HR SPECIALIST: Job Description and Salary.
#4. Network
Making connections with other professionals in your field might be beneficial to your professional development. Join a variety of IT support organizations to network with other professionals in the field. Always have extra copies of your business card ready to hand out during networking events. Also, follow up with persons you meet and keep in touch with them on a professional level.
IT Support Specialist Salary
On June 13, 2023, an IT support specialist in the United States can expect to earn a median salary of $67,030.
If you need a quick salary calculation, that comes out to about $32.23 per hour. This is equal to $5,585 every month or $1,289 per week.
Although ZipRecruiter has a salary for an IT Support Specialist ranging from $111,500 for the 90th percentile to $31,500 for the 10th percentile, the median salary falls somewhere between $46,500 and $94,000. There may be many prospects for promotion and greater income based on skill level, location, and years of experience for an IT Support Specialist because the average salary range is so large (up to $47,500).
Recent listings on ZipRecruiter indicate a brisk Chicago, IL and nearby employment market for an IT Support Specialist. The average yearly salary for an IT support specialist in your area is $68,423. This is 1% greater than the median annual compensation of $67,030 across the country. Ranked first in the nation out of all 50 states for compensation of IT support specialists.
In addition, ZipRecruiter routinely checks their database of millions of open jobs posted locally around the US to determine the most accurate annual salary range for IT Support Specialist positions.
Senior IT Support Specialist Salary
As of June 13, 2023, a Senior IT support specialist in the United States can expect to earn an average salary of $38.08 per hour.
Hourly rates for a Senior IT support specialist vary widely across the US, with a high of $63.46 and a low of $17.07. However, the median hourly rate is between $27.64 (25th percentile) and $47.12 (75th percentile). There appears to be a lot of room for growth and progress in a senior IT support specialist’s salary, as the average range is quite wide (up to $19.47), depending on factors like one’s specific set of skills, one’s geographic area, and one’s number of years of experience in the field.
Furthermore, recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter suggests that neither the Senior IT Specialist job market in Onitsha, Nigeria, nor the state of Texas is particularly active. A senior IT support specialist in your area can expect to earn $40 per hour on average, which is $2.39 (or 6%) more than the median U.S. hourly salary of $38.08. It pays its senior IT specialists more than any other state in the union.
ZipRecruiter regularly searches our database of millions of active jobs posted locally around the United States to determine the most accurate hourly salary range for Senior IT support specialist positions.
IT Support Specialist Salary Entry Level
As of the 13th of June, 2023, an entry-level IT support specialist in the United States may expect to earn a median annual salary of $37,202.
If you need a quick wage calculation, that comes out to about $17.89 per hour. That works out to $3,100 a month or $715 per week.
According to ZipRecruiter, the annual salary range for an Entry Level IT Support Specialists in the United States is between $32,500 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile), with the highest earners (90th percentile) making $48,500. There may be many prospects for progression and greater income dependent on skill level, location, and years of experience, as the average salary range for an Entry Level It Support Specialist varies substantially (by as much as $9,500).
Furthermore, recent activity on ZipRecruiter indicates that neither the Port Harcourt, NG area nor the entire state of is very active in the job market for an Entry Level IT Support Specialists. The average salary of an entry level IT support specialist in your region is $49,098 per year. This is $6 higher than the median annual salary of $37,202 across the country. tops the list of the 50 states in terms of starting salary for IT support specialists.
In addition, ZipRecruiter regularly checks its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout the United States to estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Entry Level IT Support Specialist positions.
IT Support Specialist Salary NYC
In the NYC area, an IT support specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $78,074 per year. These figures are the median, or middle point, between the ranges generated by our unique Total Pay Estimate methodology and the wages submitted by our users. The annual salary of an IT support specialist in NYC increased by approximately $6,362. Additional compensation may come in the form of a monetary bonus, commission, tips, or a cut of the profits. The “Most Likely Range” indicates the range of possible salaries for this position, between the 25th and 75th percentiles.
How Does NYC IT Support Specialist Salary Compare to the US Average for the Same Job?
Based on the salary data submitted by 6,225 IT professionals, the national average income for an IT support specialist in the United States is $69,294. This is a decrease of 14.38% compared to the salary for an IT support specialist in NYC.
However, wages are influenced by a number of variables, including the cost of living and the demand for work in the area. In the United States, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis AG, and the California State Automobile Association are the top three employers for IT specialists in terms of salary. In general, larger companies spend 55.16% less than smaller ones do on an IT support specialist.
How Much Does an IT Person Make in NYC?
On June 11, 2023, an IT Guy in New York City may expect to earn $54,558 annually. If you need a quick salary calculator, that comes out to about $26.23 per hour. This works out to $4,546 per month or $1,049 per week.
What is the workplace of an IT Support Specialist like?
An IT support specialist office environment may change from one company or sector to another. Offices are common places of employment for IT support specialists; there, they can provide direct assistance to customers via phone, email, and in-person interactions. Due to the 24/7 nature of technical support, many companies demand an IT support specialist to work extra hours or on-call shifts in order to keep their systems up and working efficiently.
Experts in information technology sometimes operate in a virtual or remote office, assisting customers online. Because they may not have the same access to physical resources and support as they would in an office setting, IT support specialists working in this type of environment must be adept at remote troubleshooting and communication.
IT support staff are commonly found in software and hardware vendors as well as networking firms. Working for one of these firms may be both demanding and rewarding, since it typically calls for IT support workers to have in-depth knowledge of a wide range of technology.
In addition, technical support for end users and the maintenance of stable computer systems and networks are two of the primary responsibilities of IT support specialists, who may also find employment in non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions. An IT support specialist in these settings may need to collaborate closely with other IT experts like network administrators, security analysts, and database administrators, and adhere to a wide range of security policies and regulations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it would be wise to train for a career as an IT support specialist. The salary and prospects in this field are excellent. Computer problem solvers often become aware of their skill early in childhood, but they may not know it might lead to a fulfilling profession. You’re ahead of the game if that’s the case. Find local IT support training programs and jump in.
IT Support Specialist Salary FAQs
Is Tech Support a Hard Job?
First and foremost, you’ll need in-depth technical understanding on how to use and fix the specific computer, program, or electronic device in question. Acquiring such technical expertise calls for formal education and practice. In most cases, these are also considered hard skills.
What Is the Difference Between a Specialist and IT Technician?
Technicians in information technology (IT) set up employees’ computers, networks, and other devices. On the other hand, IT Specialists help Technicians with repairs and troubleshooting for particular computer systems and devices that require special expertise.
Is IT Support Specialist the Same as Help Desk?
The help desk is the lowest tier of IT support and is intended for short, easy problems. When dealing with more complex situations that call for in-depth technical understanding, you should seek out technical support. For instance, you might contact a help desk if, say, your printer stopped functioning.
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