Post job

What is a technical support assistant and how to become one

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

If you've ever encountered an issue with your work computer, a technical support assistant was probably the person to find your solution.

In a company's IT department, technical support assistants are the workers who assist employees with technological difficulties. From patching network connectivity problems to providing training on new software, technical support assistants try to solve all in-company tech troubles.

When not actively helping an employee, technical support assistants can provide maintenance to computers and other equipment and maintain and update software. They might also be responsible for archiving data, creating procedural documentation for staff, and keeping the company's website and social media up-to-date.

As a technical support assistant, you could expect to earn an average yearly salary of $35,000, with the top-earners making an average of around $53,000 per year.

This is a great opportunity considering there are few strict education requirements. Many companies require technical support assistants to have only a high school diploma/GED and a couple of years of computer technology training. However, a college degree in a tech-related field can often be preferred.

What general advice would you give to a technical support assistant?

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.
ScoreTechnical Support AssistantUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $44,005

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 14.39%

Black or African American 11.25%

Hispanic or Latino 14.59%

Unknown 5.27%

White 54.10%

Gender

female 38.22%

male 61.78%

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

Technical support assistant career paths

Key steps to become a technical support assistant

  1. Explore technical support assistant education requirements

    Most common technical support assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    54.1 %

    Associate

    24.0 %

    High School Diploma

    8.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific technical support assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Troubleshoot13.32%
    Phone Calls9.31%
    Data Entry7.73%
    Network Printers4.87%
    Desk Support4.25%
  3. Complete relevant technical support assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical support assistants 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 support assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical support assistant resumes.
  4. Gain additional technical support assistant certifications

    Technical support assistant 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 support assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for technical support assistants include Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research technical support assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Design, implement, manage and document network security configurations for firewalls.
    • Train on system networking and troubleshoot, upgrading software, computer imaging and operating system installation.
    • Monitor satellite feed equipment; identify potential problems; troubleshoot possible solutions for maintaining continuous network satellite feed.
    • Contact appropriate agencies for patients who present with potential domestic issues, while upholding company privacy policies and patient confidentiality.
  6. Prepare your technical support assistant resume

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

    Build a professional technical support assistant 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 support assistant resume.
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
    Technical Support Assistant Resume
  7. Apply for technical support assistant jobs

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

Zippi

Are you a technical support assistant?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average technical support assistant salary

The average technical support assistant salary in the United States is $44,005 per year or $21 per hour. Technical support assistant salaries range between $30,000 and $64,000 per year.

Average technical support assistant salary
$44,005 Yearly
$21.16 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do technical support assistants rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Technical support assistant 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 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


profile
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.


Working as a technical support assistant? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs