How to hire a desktop service technician

How to hire a desktop service technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step desktop service technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a desktop service technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new desktop service technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The desktop service technician hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a desktop service technician to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a desktop service technician that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of desktop service technicians.

   Type of Desktop Service Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Desktop Service Technician	Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, rail transportation, and other industries.	$19-37
   Desktop Engineer	A desktop engineer is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and performance of computer systems across the organization to deliver high-performance on business operations and client specifications. Desktop engineers resolve computer desktop issues, including navigation and security complications that create delays in the operational process... Show more	$37-65
   Desktop Support Analyst	A desktop support analyst's role is to develop strategies and systems to improve and coordinate desktop support efforts. Their responsibilities revolve around testing and modifying existing networks and systems, providing corrective measures on issues and concerns, performing regular inspections, troubleshooting, and maintaining inventories on software, hardware, and other applications... Show more	$17-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • PC
   • Desktop Support
   • VoIP
   • Remote Desktop
   • Software Issues
   • Network Printers
   • Troubleshoot Issues
   • VPN
   • Switches
   • Technical Assistance
   • WAN
   • Technical Problems
   • SCCM
   • Technical Support

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage LAN infrastructure configuring and maintaining all network hardware devices.
   • Support VPN and VDI connections for remote workers.
   • Image and install OS and applications on desktops and laptops.
   • Assist users with VPN installation and setup to access network remotely.
   • Provide technical assistance in virus cleanup, configuration and installation of new workstations and computer training facility setup.
   • Deploy Microsoft SMS packages to add windows updates, anit-virus updates, and all other software packages via Microsoft SMS.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your desktop service technician job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A desktop service technician salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, desktop service technicians' average salary in alabama is 44% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level desktop service technicians earn 48% less than senior-level desktop service technicians.
   • Certifications. A desktop service technician with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a desktop service technician's salary.

   Average desktop service technician salary

   $55,718yearly

   $26.79 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level desktop service technician salary

   $40,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing a desktop service technician job description

   A desktop service technician job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a desktop service technician job description:

   Desktop service technician job description example

   Kforce has a client that is seeking a Desktop Services Tech in Columbia, MD.Key Tasks:
   
   * Desktop Services Tech will perform intermediate (level 1) to advanced (level 2) administration of desktop related technologies, including installation, configuration, system software maintenance, desktop monitoring, performance tuning and optimizations, upgrade, troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair, and support for enterprise production desktop technologies and back-office platforms in accordance with department policies and procedures
   
   * Manage customer service requests using approved IT Service Management standards, policies, and procedures
   
   * Administer appropriate levels of desktop services and related security controls to secure enterprise computing assets from vulnerabilities and threats (e.g., anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spy ware, etc.)
   
   * Participate and contribute to relevant business resumption recovery activities of assigned areas and consult with external vendors for resolution
   
   * As a Desktop Services Tech, you will work with manufacturers and vendors to effectively resolve desktop-related problems as it relates to this position
   
   * Perform preventative maintenance and make corrective actions to problems delegating to other team members as may be needed
   
   * Receive, screen, and provide requested technical support to end-users and/or escalate requests to appropriate IT staff via Service Desk or other communication media, using appropriate technologies and procedures to resolve issues
   
   * Maintain professional written and face-to-face communications with employees and colleagues at all levels across the firm and in support of the company's mission and values
   
   * Desktop Services Techs train and provide technical guidance to internal clients on hardware and software support issues
   
   * Brief management and IT Team members of status of deliverable services; Document activities in accordance with departmental procedures
   
   * Associate degree in Computer Science from an accredited college or university, along with a minimum of one (1) to two (2) years for Level 1 technicians, or two (2) to four (4) years for Level 2 technicians minimum IT industry related experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
   
   * Successful experience in an advanced desktop services role, delivering products and services at an enterprise level while supporting multiple end-users; Extensive experience in complex troubleshooting, diagnostic analysis, configuration, and repair of new and existing desktop technologies; And working in a team environment
   
   Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.*Compensation Type:*Years

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find desktop service technicians for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any desktop service technicians they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level desktop service technicians with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your desktop service technician job on Zippia to find and recruit desktop service technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit desktop service technicians, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new desktop service technician

   Once you have selected a candidate for the desktop service technician position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new desktop service technician. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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