How To Become A Technical Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

Q: How long does IT take to become a technical support specialist?

It takes about two years to become an IT technical support specialist. At a minimum, an associate degree or certification coupled with on-the-job training and certification can be sufficient to get hired.

Q: How much do technical specialists make?

Technical specialists make $82,524 per year ($39.67 per hour), on average. Technical specialists in the lower 10%, such as entry-level positions, only make about $61,000 a year, while the top 10% average $110,000 per year.

Q: How much does a tech specialist make?

A tech specialist makes approximately $68,400 annually, though the pay range spans from $60,000 to around $80,000. Some tech specialists may only make about $23,000 per year, but they are likely part-time associates.

Q: What does a Microsoft technical specialist do?

Microsoft technical specialists typically lead training seminars or workshops, work on new programs or services, and present and demonstrate products or services. These individuals are expected to have deep customer service roots and understand CRM software, which is a major part of their position.

Q: What is a technical specialist certificate?

A technical specialist certificate is an achievement stating students have been properly prepared to converse technical ideas and business acumen with other individuals, be they in the same industry, company, or completely removed from both.

What is a technical specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Kate Marek Ph.D.,

Oriehi Destiny Anyaiwe

A technical specialist is an expert in a particular field of tech, such as IT, engineering, or science. They are responsible for guiding technical issues to other professionals in their organization. Technical specialists may also be involved in the design and implementation of new products. They must have the ability to communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders. Overall, a technical specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the success of technical projects.

What general advice would you give to a technical specialist?

Kate Marek Ph.D.

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.

ScoreTechnical SpecialistUS Average

Salary

6.9

Avg. Salary $88,773

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 12.53%

Black or African American 10.83%

Hispanic or Latino 16.26%

Unknown 5.38%

White 54.58%

Gender

female 28.80%

male 71.20%

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

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a technical specialist?

Pros

High demand for technical specialists
Opportunity to work on challenging projects
Competitive salary and benefits
Ability to work remotely or from home
Collaborative work environment with other technical specialists

Cons

High stress and pressure to meet deadlines
Long working hours and occasional weekend work
High level of responsibility for projects and outcomes
Client expectations can be unrealistic or difficult to manage
Technical issues can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve

Key steps to become a technical specialist

Explore technical specialist education requirements

Most common technical specialist degrees

Bachelor's

56.9 %

Associate

20.4 %

Master's

10.2 %

Start to develop specific technical specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	12.95%
Technical Support	5.77%
Patients	5.73%
Project Management	5.62%
Customer Satisfaction	3.69%

Complete relevant technical specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical 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 technical specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical specialist resumes.

Gain additional technical specialist certifications

Technical 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 technical specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for technical specialists include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

More About Certifications

Research technical specialist duties and responsibilities

Install and manage LAN/WAN using TCP/IP protocol.
Manage the development of a customize ERP system for the client.
Design and manage studies for alternative API qualification for commercial products.
Lead and assist in troubleshooting problems and assure appropriate communication with physicians and patients.

Prepare your technical specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your technical 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 technical 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 technical specialist resume templates

Build a professional technical 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 technical specialist resume.

Apply for technical specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a technical 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 do technical specialists rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Technical specialist reviews

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

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

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020

Pros

I enjoy the challenges and learning new things . Technology is always evolving.

Cons

Customer is unwilling to provide you with necessary information in order to assist them.

What is a technical specialist and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a technical specialist?

What are the pros and cons of being a technical specialist?

Technical specialist career paths

Key steps to become a technical specialist

Explore technical specialist education requirements

Most common technical specialist degrees

Start to develop specific technical specialist skills

Complete relevant technical specialist training and internships

Gain additional technical specialist certifications

Research technical specialist duties and responsibilities

Prepare your technical specialist resume

Choose from 10+ customizable technical specialist resume templates

Apply for technical specialist jobs

How did you land your first technical specialist job

Average technical specialist salary

How do technical specialists rate their job?

Technical specialist reviews

Technical specialist FAQs

How long does IT take to become a technical support specialist?

How much do technical specialists make?

How much does a tech specialist make?

What does a Microsoft technical specialist do?

What is a technical specialist certificate?

Search for technical specialist jobs

Technical specialist jobs by state