How to hire a field support engineer

Field support engineer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring field support engineers in the United States:

There are a total of 83,942 field support engineers in the US, and there are currently 174,765 job openings in this field.
The median cost to hire a field support engineer is $1,633.
Small businesses spend $1,105 per field support engineer on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
Minneapolis, MN, has the highest demand for field support engineers, with 6 job openings.

How to hire a field support engineer, step by step

To hire a field support engineer, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a field support engineer:

Here's a step-by-step field support engineer hiring guide:

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

What does a field support engineer do?

Field support engineers are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for providing on-site functions for the network systems of clients. These engineers must assist their clients in solving complex technical issues to reduce the occurrence of network connectivity issues. They must perform routine maintenance checkups to ensure that the network systems of their clients are operating consistently and efficiently. Field support engineers are also required to offer guidance and training to the client personnel to educate them about the operation of the product as well as maintenance procedures.

Learn more about the specifics of what a field support engineer does

Post a field support engineer job for free, promote it for a fee

Identify your hiring needs

First, determine the employments status of the field support engineer you need to hire. Certain field support engineer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

Determine employee vs contractor status

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

Hiring the perfect field support engineer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

Here's a comparison of field support engineer salaries for various roles:

Type of Field Support Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
Field Support Engineer	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$31-68
Support Analyst	The role of support analysts is to resolve problems with hardware, computer programs, and peripherals. They may focus on a particular aspect of the information technology (IT) department or give technical support to end-users... Show more	$24-54
Systems Support	A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables... Show more	$21-42

Create an ideal candidate profile
Common skills:
- Technical Support
- Troubleshoot
- Customer Satisfaction
- Provide Customer Support
- Customer Support
- FSE
- Tcp Ip
- Switches
- Preventative Maintenance
- Customer Service
- Linux
- Hardware Problems
- Technical Assistance
- Test Equipment
Check all skills
Responsibilities:
- Lead technical operations for an innovative workforce virtualization movement, including initial design and improvement of technical systems and processes.
- Install and troubleshot routers, switches, PC's, servers, phones, and cable infrastructure.
- Load UNIX or Linux on the servers and set up the network connections for remote access.
- Trouble shooting, maintenance and installation of PC and other peripherals for clients.
- Perform both network connectivity (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX) and rack mount hardware troubleshooting.
- Experience with cabling systems, hubs and routers with setup, support and troubleshooting abilities.
More field support engineer duties

Make a budget

Including a salary range in the field support engineer job description is a good way to get more applicants. A field support engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

For example, the average salary for a field support engineer in Arkansas may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level field support engineer. Additionally, a field support engineer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

Average field support engineer salary

$96,499yearly

$46.39 hourly rate

Entry-level field support engineer salary

$65,000 yearly salary

Updated January 20, 2026

Average field support engineer salary by state

Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
1	California	$127,021	$61
2	Washington	$116,890	$56
3	Arizona	$105,407	$51
4	Texas	$96,820	$47
5	Connecticut	$92,509	$44
6	New York	$91,304	$44
7	Massachusetts	$91,092	$44
8	Virginia	$88,075	$42
9	New Jersey	$87,923	$42
10	North Carolina	$83,965	$40
11	Maryland	$82,086	$39
12	New Mexico	$80,527	$39
13	Utah	$80,040	$38
14	Louisiana	$79,312	$38
15	District of Columbia	$79,122	$38
16	Colorado	$78,454	$38
17	Indiana	$78,176	$38
18	Georgia	$75,033	$36
19	Illinois	$73,676	$35
20	Tennessee	$71,114	$34

Average field support engineer salary by company

Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
1	Apple	$140,414	$67.51	138
2	Parsons	$130,167	$62.58	80
3	Microsoft	$129,277	$62.15	44
4	Comverse Technology	$116,404	$55.96
5	Amazon	$108,582	$52.20	441
6	Rohde & Schwarz	$107,047	$51.46	5
7	Spirent Communications	$106,730	$51.31
8	Panasonic Avionics	$105,222	$50.59	4
9	KLA	$100,137	$48.14	24
10	BD	$99,817	$47.99	15
11	Cricket Wireless	$98,007	$47.12
12	TEKsystems	$97,967	$47.10	233
13	General Electric	$97,519	$46.88	91
14	Williams Sonoma	$95,349	$45.84
15	Guavus	$92,473	$44.46
16	SAIC	$92,205	$44.33	225
17	Vistra	$91,929	$44.20	12
18	Samsung Telecommunications America General LLC	$91,929	$44.20
19	Science	$91,929	$44.20	1
20	Kforce	$91,823	$44.15	58

Writing a field support engineer job description
A field support engineer 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 field support engineer job description:
Field support engineer job description example
United States, Georgia, Atlanta

Delta Flight Products

13-Sep-2022

Ref #: 17010

How you'll help us Keep Climbing (overview & key responsibilities)

+ The DFP Product Support Engineer - IFE Support provides exceptional support and is responsible for timely resolutions escalated from customers and field representatives, utilizing a high level of initiative, diligence and urgency in following through to assignment closure.

+ Responsibilities will include acting as the direct liaison on multiple topics including configuration, documentation, maintenance, and general support

+ Interfaces with Delta Air Lines service locations around the world to ensure that the proper material is available for installation, service and upgrade activities

+ Produces engineering drawings and work instructions pertaining to repair and installation of systems; ensures that all required documentation is released according to schedule

+ Provide Engineering support during the installation of new systems at airframers and during upgrades to existing systems

+ Evaluates training needs for internal and external parties and ensures that the right training is available and delivered

+ Analyzes IFE system performance and designs and makes modifications where necessary to meet specific customer needs and improve reliability

+ Perform troubleshooting in the diagnosis and resolution of issues with installed systems

+ Serve as a liaison between Customers, Vendors and Engineering for specification and drawings clarification and problem solving

+ Coordinate and successfully execute field service support projects, including coordination of suppliers, including FAL support subcontractor, vendor procurement and services and internal Delta Flight Products departments, as required

+ Utilize available material resources and/or consult with product experts to advance the resolution of issues in a timely manner

+ Document reported issues/concerns in DFP issue tracking tools

+ A moderate amount of overnight travel can be expected for this position (<25%). Both domestic and international travel may be required.

+ Practices safety-conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures

What you need to succeed (minimum qualifications)

+ Bachelor's degree in a field such as Engineering; will consider equivalent educational and/or work experience

+ Minimum of 3-6 years applicable work experience in a similar IFE Systems role is strongly preferred

+ Willing to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time

+ Self-starting and capable of executing tasks within the allocated timeframe

+ Strong problem solving skills

+ Must be organized and present good communication skills

+ Proficient computer skills with recent working experience in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

+ Proficient in debugging log data to determine root cause

+ Embraces diverse people, thinking and styles. Consistently makes safety and security, of self and others, the priority.

+ Where permitted by applicable law, must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by date of hire to be considered for U.S.-based job, if not currently employed by Delta Air Lines, Inc.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications)

+ Knowledge of Avionic and Aerospace regulations

+ Experience using Linux Bash command line

+ Experience with Smartsheet

Delta Air Lines, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and provides reasonable accommodation in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you are a qualified individual, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings through this site, apply for jobs through Delta's online system, or at any point in the selection process. To request a reasonable accommodation, please click here
Post your job
There are a few common ways to find field support engineers for your business:
- Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
- Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
- Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
- Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
Post your job online:
- Post your field support engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit field support engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
- Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
- Post a job on free websites.
Interview candidates
To successfully recruit field support engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.
Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.
If your interviews with field support engineer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:
- TestDome
- CodeSignal
- Testlify
- BarRaiser
- Coderbyte
The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.
Send a job offer and onboard your new field support engineer
Once you've selected the best field support engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.
You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.
After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new field support engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.
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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How much does it cost to hire a field support engineer?

Recruiting field support engineers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $96,499 per year for a field support engineer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for field support engineers in the US typically range between $31 and $68 an hour.

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Updated January 20, 2026

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How to hire a field support engineer