Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of computer technicians that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of computer technicians:
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Computer Consultant is the highest-paid type of computer technician with an average salary of $94,331 and an average hourly rate of $45.35.
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The second highest-paying type of computer technician is software support technician, with an average salary of $79,670.
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The average computer technician salary is $39,767 per year, and the average hourly pay is $19.12.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a computer technician, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of computer technicians are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of computer technicians:
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Computer Consultant
Average Salary: $94,331
Computer Consultants assist a company’s staff with computer system usage and issues. Computer consultants can be software programmers, hardware system installers, networking specialists, database specialists, and others.
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Software Support Technician
Average Salary: $79,670
A software support technician is responsible for resolving software application issues, diagnosing related system failures, and writing resolution reports for reference. Software support technicians must be highly-familiarized with the system’s infrastructure and interface to immediately diagnose malfunctions and identify maintenance techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of downtimes and delays. They also assist the system engineers in the configuration and optimization of networks, including the installment of upgrades and patch updates. A software support technician must have excellent organizational and communication skills, especially in navigating computer tools and applications to create support tickets and fix the customers’ issues efficiently.
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Computer Specialist
Average Salary: $75,950
A computer specialist’s responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing computer hardware and software. They meet with clients to identify their needs, examine and troubleshoot equipment, perform upgrades, and discuss the extent of repairs or replacements to clients. In a company setting, a computer specialist is in charge of overseeing an array of equipment, conducting regular maintenance checks, and performing corrective measures as needed. Furthermore, they must provide technical support, all while implementing the company’s policies and regulations.
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Computer Technician/Sales
Average Salary: $58,818
A computer technician/sales technician is a professional who maintains and repairs computers and networks while ensuring that adequate information technology (IT) infrastructure is in place. Computer technicians must manage security software in computers and networks to maintain client privacy and protect them from attackers. They perform upgrades regularly so that the computer system remains updated. Computer technicians must also arrange maintenance sessions and keep records of the repairs and fixes that they have handled for future reference.
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Technician Support Tier
Average Salary: $54,889
A technician support tier focuses on providing technical support to clients or employees within a company. Typically working in a team setting, a technician support tier addresses technical problems and troubleshoots to identify the root of the issues and perform necessary corrective measures or repairs. Their responsibilities also revolve around responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, conducting regular maintenance of systems and networks, maintaining records of all transactions, and supporting software and networks. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all team members while adhering to the company’s policies and regulations.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various computer technician that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Computer Technicians
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for computer technicians.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Computer Technician Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid computer technician job?
The highest-paid computer technician job is a computer consultant. Computer Consultants earn an average salary of $94,331, which is $ 45.35 hourly.
Computer Consultants assist a company’s staff with computer system usage and issues. Computer consultants can be software programmers, hardware system installers, networking specialists, database specialists, and others.
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What is a good salary for a computer technician?
A good salary for a computer technician is $39,767 or more. The average computer technician salary is $39,767, so those making at least $39,767 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average computer technician salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a computer technician, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $39,767 average, as this includes all computer technicians of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Computer Technician jobs pay well?
No, computer technician jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some computer technician jobs pay better than others, but the average computer technician salary of $39,767 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many computer technician jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of computer technicians earning $0 a year on average.
Computer Technicians’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a computer technician. Do your research on the going rate for a computer technician in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do computer technicians get paid the most?
Computer Technicians get paid the most in Virginia. In Virginia, computer technicians earn an average annual salary of $48,793 and an average hourly wage of $23.46.
Following VA, the states with the highest-paid computer technicians are Delaware, Colorado, and Oregon, with average annual salaries of $43,487, $44,953, and $48,208 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid computer technician salaries are:
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Alexandria, VA – $49,491
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San Jose, CA – $49,287
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Hillsboro, OR – $48,003
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
