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What is a systems support specialist and how to become one
As a systems support specialist, you will be responsible for troubleshooting, installing, and fixing computer system hardware and software of all types. Individuals in this capacity work independently with little supervision but function as part of a larger information technology team. They are often required to travel to on-site locations to fix various hardware and software problems and perform installations and updates.
Duties and responsibilities that you will perform in this role include providing technical support, performing maintenance, troubleshooting problems, installing and upgrading software and hardware, repairing and installing cables, backing up data, removing viruses and malware, and training staff. Essential skills required include time management, computer skills, communication, problem-solving, physical fitness, and organization skills.
Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a similar field, along with five years or more experience in supporting complex workflow-driven I.T systems.
The average salary for a traditional workweek is $29.20, which amounts to $60,745 annually. Moreover, the career is expected to grow 10% in the near future and result in over 83,000 job opportunities across the United States.
What general advice would you give to a systems support specialist?
Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois
Several businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and they have rolled back their offers made to students for internships and jobs. Businesses have also resorted to downsizing and layoffs, and we are likely to see that continue, at least in the near term. However, two sectors that are showing promises of a quick turnaround are technology and healthcare.
It might take many months for the economy to get back on track, but the demand for information systems graduates is likely to grow, as a large number of businesses have turned to increased use of technology in this pandemic period. As more companies go digital, we need more professionals to manage the remote-work, technological infrastructure and meet the other demands of the business. Students pursuing education in information systems, computer science, and healthcare are going to be in greater demand.
On the positive side, the uncertainties induced by the pandemic have also helped students to prepare themselves better for a tougher job market. I found many students rise up and use the lockdown period to have a serious introspection and invest their time and effort in upgrading their knowledge and skills. The internship drought and rescinding of job/internship offers brought their dreams crashing down, but I found several students to quickly get over their disappointments, and engage in improving their skillsets utilizing the pandemic lockdown as an opportunity. I am aware of many students, especially in the information systems disciple, who spent time doing online courses, completing certification programs, and take up DIY projects on data analysis, developing analytical and forecasting models, and visualization of various aspects of the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in massive amounts of data, released by several organizations worldwide, that have provided a stimulant for students to indulge in DIY-projects. I had several students approach me over summer to do some projects, and we have done some interesting projects using public datasets related to COVID-19.
Avg. Salary $61,744
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 10%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%
Asian 10.64%
Black or African American 11.90%
Hispanic or Latino 15.71%
Unknown 5.34%
White 55.99%
Genderfemale 26.58%
male 73.42%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Systems support specialist career paths
Key steps to become a systems support specialist
Explore systems support specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific systems support specialist skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 14.35% Troubleshoot 7.90% Technical Support 6.23% PC 4.65% System Support 4.13% Complete relevant systems support specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems support specialists 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 specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems support specialist resumes.Gain additional systems support specialist certifications
More About CertificationsSystems support specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific systems support specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for systems support specialists include Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP).
Research systems support specialist duties and responsibilities
- Manage the internal installs of the application on all relevant versions in order to test and QA new patch releases.
- Configure VOIP IP communicators and manage user administration to ensure adequate telecommunication securely.
- Manage large-scale PC deployments including site surveys involving verification of network activity and appropriate power availability.
- Administer SharePoint site updates and create documentation to aid users and expedite problem resolution.
Prepare your systems support specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems support specialist 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 specialist 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 specialist resume templates
Build a professional systems support specialist 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 specialist resume.
Apply for systems support specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a systems support specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first systems support specialist job
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Average systems support specialist salary
The average systems support specialist salary in the United States is $61,744 per year or $30 per hour. Systems support specialist salaries range between $41,000 and $91,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do systems support specialists rate their job?
Systems support specialist reviews
You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology
I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day
Working with The people
There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers
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.
I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy
Updated January 8, 2025
