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What is a desktop/network support and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Kate Marek Ph.D.
introduction image

A desktop or network support is an engineer responsible for identifying and resolving software or network problems. As a desktop or network support, you will be required to assist users and customers with application installation and various peripheral configurations. Also, you will be needed to regularly provide guidance and advice to colleagues regarding issues and incidents. You are also expected to keep a record of activities, identify potential changes, and find new ways to improve the system. Furthermore, you will need to provide basic training to recruits on computer management and operations, complete job reports, and order new computer supplies.

To get a job as a desktop or network support, you need to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You must also possess excellent writing and communication skills and a very good knowledge of operating systems. With these, you will earn an average of $45,590 per year or $21.92 per hour.

What general advice would you give to a desktop/network support?

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.
ScoreDesktop/Network SupportUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $49,480

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 10.58%

Black or African American 11.34%

Hispanic or Latino 16.06%

Unknown 5.37%

White 56.24%

Gender

female 22.25%

male 77.75%

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

Desktop/network support career paths

Key steps to become a desktop/network support

  1. Explore desktop/network support education requirements

    Most common desktop/network support degrees

    Bachelor's

    46.4 %

    Associate

    32.6 %

    High School Diploma

    7.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific desktop/network support skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service28.39%
    Technical Support7.03%
    Software Applications6.52%
    Customer Satisfaction3.33%
    SQL2.48%
  3. Complete relevant desktop/network support training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New desktop/network supports 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 desktop/network support based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real desktop/network support resumes.
  4. Research desktop/network support duties and responsibilities

    • Design, develop, and manage solutions utilizing mostly Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, and EMC technologies.
    • Manage information systems such as databases and SharePoint
    • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
    • Maintain the DNS and DHCP database for host network attach devices.
  5. Prepare your desktop/network support resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your desktop/network support 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 desktop/network support resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable desktop/network support resume templates

    Build a professional desktop/network support 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 desktop/network support resume.
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
    Desktop/Network Support Resume
  6. Apply for desktop/network support jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a desktop/network support 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 desktop/network support job

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Average desktop/network support salary

The average desktop/network support salary in the United States is $49,480 per year or $24 per hour. Desktop/network support salaries range between $35,000 and $68,000 per year.

Average desktop/network support salary
$49,480 Yearly
$23.79 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do desktop/network supports rate their job?

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Desktop/network support 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
Cons

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

Pros

Working with The people


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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