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What is a computer support technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Kate Marek Ph.D.,
Oriehi Destiny Anyaiwe
introduction image

A computer support technician is responsible for maintaining computer systems within a company. He/She sets up, maintains, and repairs computer systems for employees across the company. His/Her duties also include installing computers, routers, and other hardware, updating existing systems, and troubleshooting problems with hardware. He/She may be tasked with training company employees on how to use software programs and hardware. Besides that, he/she maintains all terminals and peripherals, including printers, modems, personal computers, and data communications machines. Also, he/she ensures compliance with the company's policy on the network use of end-users.

The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma. Oftentimes, a college degree is required. Applicants must possess problem-solving, analytical, computer, customer service, organization, and troubleshooting skills. You must be familiar with basic hardware and software functions and networking. Some employers may provide on-the-job training. Your annual salary is between $31,000 and $61,000, with an average salary of $43,522.

What general advice would you give to a computer support technician?

Kate Marek Ph.D.Kate Marek Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Director and Professor, Dominican University

Choose an organization in tune with one's values. Look for a job in growth areas, such as data asset management, data analysis, etc.
ScoreComputer Support TechnicianUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $41,852

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 11.66%

Black or African American 10.69%

Hispanic or Latino 16.61%

Unknown 5.40%

White 55.23%

Gender

female 16.77%

male 83.23%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Computer support technician career paths

Key steps to become a computer support technician

  1. Explore computer support technician education requirements

    Most common computer support technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    45.6 %

    Associate

    35.6 %

    High School Diploma

    6.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific computer support technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service11.46%
    Technical Support8.33%
    Computer Support7.04%
    Desk Support4.25%
    Mac4.13%
  3. Complete relevant computer support technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer support technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer support technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer support technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional computer support technician certifications

    Computer support technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific computer support technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for computer support technicians include Security 5 Certification and Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research computer support technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
    • Used and become familiar with LINUX network file system.
    • Used Linux operating system to recover data from hard drives.
    • Support & troubleshoot VPN, Internet connections, email, browser and OS errors.
  6. Prepare your computer support technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer support technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer support technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable computer support technician resume templates

    Build a professional computer support technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer support technician resume.
    Computer Support Technician Resume
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    Computer Support Technician Resume
  7. Apply for computer support technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a computer support technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first computer support technician job

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Average computer support technician salary

The average computer support technician salary in the United States is $41,852 per year or $20 per hour. Computer support technician salaries range between $34,000 and $51,000 per year.

Average computer support technician salary
$41,852 Yearly
$20.12 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do computer support technicians rate their job?

-/5

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Computer support technician reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology

Cons

I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

Working with The people

Cons

There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

I decided to go to technical support because I've been fascinated by technology all my life and I love working with the people as well. I want to use my technical know-how to solve directly the problems that customers have. I want to be the person who makes life easier and more enjoyable for people who have had a problem. This is what I like most as a technical Support.

Cons

I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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