First line of help for employees' technology problems and access requests.
High demand. Large, steady volume of postings across industries. A realistic target for an active job search.
Common titles for this role at each level. Companies vary; see Role titles decoded.
| Level | Typical titles |
|---|---|
| Entry | Junior / Associate IT Support Specialist · IT Support Specialist I |
| Mid | IT Support Specialist · IT Support Specialist II |
| Senior | Senior IT Support Specialist · Lead IT Support Specialist |
| Expert (IC track) | Staff / Principal IT Support Specialist |
| Management track | Manager, Help Desk & End-User Support → Director of Help Desk & End-User Support → VP |
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Sources:
Mapped to BLS 15-1232. Entry contract roles pay well below the median. Senior IC/manager figure from BLS Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231) median: $76,220.
BLS: 'some college' typical; a degree is not required. High school diploma plus CompTIA A+ (or in progress), IT coursework, a bootcamp, or an internship all qualify per postings.
| Exam fee | not published |
| Training | two exams (Core 1 + Core 2); Core 1 CertMaster + voucher bundle $849 (list $1,129); self-study much less |
| Renewal | 3-year CE cycle |
| Typical total | pricing on request (vouchers not published by the vendor) |
The entry-level posting cited listed A+ (or working toward it) as a qualifying credential; DoD 8140 approved for support roles.
| Exam fee | not published |
| Training | self-study $0-200 |
| Renewal | 3-year CE cycle |
| Typical total | pricing on request |
The usual second cert that moves a Tier 1 tech toward Tier 2/network support.
| Exam fee | $349 |
| Training | self-study $0-200 |
| Renewal | 3-year CE cycle |
| Typical total | $350-700 |
Required for support roles on US government/DoD contracts (8140) and a bridge into security.
| Exam fee | not published |
| Training | exam bundle $690 incl. eBook; eLearning bundle $1,029 |
| Renewal | every 3 years; 60 CPD points or new exam |
| Typical total | $690-1,340 (bundle pricing) |
A current desktop-support posting required ITIL-based ITSM knowledge and listed ITIL Foundation as required or preferred by department.
CompTIA no longer shows standalone voucher prices on its certification pages (only bundles), so A+ and Network+ exam fees are null. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a common entry path but is not listed here.
Figures are US, from the sources listed, and change often; verify before deciding.
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