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What is a systems support and how to become one

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

The duties of systems support include performing technical configurations, resolving system applications and network issues, and upgrading systems infrastructure. They conduct regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure their performance optimally. They ensure it is efficient to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables. Additionally, they help in improving existing networks based on business needs and specifications. Asides from that, they keep reports of resolutions for reference to prevent similar occurrences.

For this position, you need to have at least an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline. You will be working with computer operating systems and hardware. You must possess time management, communication, computer, and problem-solving skills. Also, you must be physically fit. Systems support earns an average gross salary of $59,774 or $28.74 per hour. This varies from $42,000 to $84,000.

What general advice would you give to a systems 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.
ScoreSystems SupportUS Average
Salary
5.0

Avg. Salary $64,031

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 12.78%

Black or African American 11.09%

Hispanic or Latino 16.05%

Unknown 5.37%

White 54.31%

Gender

female 23.69%

male 76.31%

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

Systems support career paths

Key steps to become a systems support

  1. Explore systems support education requirements

    Most common systems support degrees

    Bachelor's

    53.7 %

    Associate

    29.8 %

    Master's

    7.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems support skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service15.26%
    Troubleshoot10.09%
    Technical Support8.16%
    PC5.94%
    Desktop Support4.18%
  3. Complete relevant systems support training and internships

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

    • Manage the configuration and performance management of all PC systems and telecommunications.
    • Perform server OS installs and hardware configurations running SBS2003/SBS2008 , 2K8, & Linux.
    • Maintain backups of all Linux servers with DLT drives.
    • Experience administering Redhat, RHEL, CentOS, and Debian versions of Linux.
  5. Prepare your systems support resume

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

    Build a professional systems 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 systems support resume.
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
    Systems Support Resume
  6. Apply for systems support jobs

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

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Average systems support salary

The average systems support salary in the United States is $64,031 per year or $31 per hour. Systems support salaries range between $45,000 and $89,000 per year.

Average systems support salary
$64,031 Yearly
$30.78 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do systems supports rate their job?

-/5

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Systems 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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