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Helpdesk & sysadmin
IT Support Specialist
The person everyone calls when nothing works.
Typical pay
$40k-$85k
How you get in
CompTIA A+ / Network+ certifications
Outlook
Steady, with cloud and security paths upward
IT support keeps hardware, accounts and networks running. It is the most common on-ramp into tech and rewards patience more than genius.
A day in the life
- 8:00aTicket queue triage
- 9:00aLaptop imaging for a new hire
- 11:00aWalk a user through a VPN issue
- 1:00pSwap a failed switch in the closet
- 3:00pPatch rollout testing
- 5:00pDocument fixes in the knowledge base
How to get in
Certifications only
Duration
3-9 months
Cost
$500-$2,000
Credential
CompTIA A+, then Network+ or Security+
- Study for and pass the CompTIA A+
- Build a home lab so you have something concrete to talk about
- Apply to help desk roles — this is the most common way in
- Add Network+ or Security+ within the first year
Hired with no credential
Duration
Weeks
Cost
$0
Credential
None to start
- Apply to help desk and desktop support roles that hire on aptitude
- Interview on troubleshooting instinct and patience with people
- Learn the ticketing system and the environment on the job
- Get the employer to pay for your certifications once you are in
Associate degree in IT
Duration
2 years
Cost
$6,000-$20,000
Credential
AAS in information technology
- Enroll in a community college IT program
- Pick up certifications alongside the coursework
- Do an internship if the program offers one
- Enter at a slightly higher rung than a pure help desk hire
What people love
- · Low barrier to entry
- · Clear certification ladder
- · Every industry hires it
What wears people down
- · You only hear from people when they are angry
- · Pay starts modest
- · Repetitive tickets