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What is a senior support technician and how to become one

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

A senior support technician is a technical support specialist who provides his/her services to organizations that make use of computer and network systems. You must render assistance regarding the installation, upgrade, configuration, and testing of all computer hardware and software.

They are the first line of support when you encounter complex challenges with your system, such as virus attacks, attempted security breaches, software updates, and even just general maintenance. You will be expected to train staff on some basic IT skills and maintenance measures. You will also be expected to carry out maintenance checks and troubleshoot when necessary.

Senior support technicians make an average of $42.53 every hour or $88,467 yearly. You are expected to be an expert in technical support, customer service, troubleshooting, hardware, desk support, and active directory. The minimum educational qualification for this role is a bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.

What general advice would you give to a senior 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.
ScoreSenior Support TechnicianUS Average
Salary
5.8

Avg. Salary $74,459

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 11.07%

Black or African American 10.67%

Hispanic or Latino 16.31%

Unknown 5.38%

White 56.15%

Gender

female 21.64%

male 78.36%

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

Senior support technician career paths

Key steps to become a senior support technician

  1. Explore senior support technician education requirements

    Most common senior support technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    48.0 %

    Associate

    33.0 %

    High School Diploma

    6.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior support technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service13.17%
    Technical Support10.85%
    Troubleshoot8.57%
    Desk Support3.98%
    Phone Calls3.85%
  3. Complete relevant senior support technician training and internships

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

    • Manage the virtual platforms utilize in the office using VMWare.
    • Serve as a SME and the main point of contact when agents and other leads have questions.
    • Organize and maintain Linux labs.
    • Help resolve terminal server and citrix environment issues.
  5. Get senior support technician experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a senior support technician. The most common roles before becoming a senior support technician include technical support technician, technical support specialist team lead and computer technician.
  6. Prepare your senior support technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior 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 senior 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 senior support technician resume templates

    Build a professional senior 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 senior support technician resume.
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
    Senior Support Technician Resume
  7. Apply for senior support technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior 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 senior support technician job

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Average senior support technician salary

The average senior support technician salary in the United States is $74,459 per year or $36 per hour. Senior support technician salaries range between $48,000 and $114,000 per year.

Average senior support technician salary
$74,459 Yearly
$35.80 hourly

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How do senior support technicians rate their job?

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Senior 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
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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