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What is a technical support professional and how to become one

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

A Technical Support Specialist is employed by organizations to oversee and maintain their computer hardware and software systems. They help in resolving technical issues concerning the customer's accounts or the company's software infrastructure. Also, they support computer software integration by diagnosing and troubleshooting common problems. They install and configure computer systems and applications within the organization. Additionally, they maintain system functionality by testing computer components. Asides from that, they review the compatibility of new programs with existing programs and improve existing programs by evaluating objectives and specifications.

Employers seek candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field and at least three years of related work experience. Many employers require certifications in industry-specific networks or operating systems. Candidates must possess customer service, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills. Technical Support Professional earns an average salary of $113,000 annually. This can range from $67,908 to $138,177.

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

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 ProfessionalUS Average
Salary
5.5

Avg. Salary $70,191

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 11.36%

Black or African American 8.94%

Hispanic or Latino 17.14%

Unknown 5.44%

White 56.70%

Gender

female 33.51%

male 66.49%

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 professional career paths

Key steps to become a technical support professional

  1. Explore technical support professional education requirements

    Most common technical support professional degrees

    Bachelor's

    47.8 %

    Associate

    26.2 %

    High School Diploma

    12.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific technical support professional skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java14.16%
    Client Facing8.36%
    Troubleshoot6.86%
    Customer Satisfaction3.84%
    Technical Problems3.52%
  3. Complete relevant technical support professional training and internships

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

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

    The most common certifications for technical support professionals include Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Network 5 Certification.

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

    • Manage all operating end-user software including JavaScript - updating/installing Java.
    • Addressed customer concerns with speed, accuracy and professionalism with a proven capacity to troubleshoot issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
    • Analyze, troubleshoot and determine resolution for technical issues relate to standard and non-standard work environment, including end-users working remotely.
    • Obtain a thorough, working knowledge of TCP/IP
  6. Prepare your technical support professional resume

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

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

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

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Average technical support professional salary

The average technical support professional salary in the United States is $70,191 per year or $34 per hour. Technical support professional salaries range between $33,000 and $145,000 per year.

Average technical support professional salary
$70,191 Yearly
$33.75 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do technical support professionals rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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Technical support professional 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.


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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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