What does an IT support technician do?
An IT support technician ensures that their company's computer systems and networks are up to date and are working properly and efficiently. Their job is to solve problems either over the phone or in person. As an IT support technician, you will use your skills in a variety of areas including:
• Hardware maintenance
• Software configuration issues
• General troubleshooting
• Software installation
View JobsWhat is the average salary of an IT support technician?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for an IT support technician is $57,910 annually. The average hourly pay for an IT support technician is $27.84 per hour. Your salary will increase if your role comes with other responsibilities. For example, an IT support technician may oversee network management, which gives them more responsibility and a higher salary. Additionally, you will increase your salary by taking on additional training and certifications.
IT support technician job description
If you want to earn a stable income and work in an interesting field, becoming an IT support technician is smart. If you are enthusiastic about computers, then the role of an IT technician will be a great fit for you. It requires knowledge of computer technology and the ability to work with computers. However, it also provides challenging moments that require you to develop expertise in many different areas.
What are the responsibilities of an IT support technician?
As an IT support technician, your primary responsibility will revolve around maintaining the computer and network systems of your organization. Your other responsibilities will include:
- Troubleshooting and diagnosing computer hardware and software issues
- Setting up computer networks
- Assisting employees and customers with IT-related problems
- Installing applications
What type of equipment do IT support technicians use?
IT support technicians require tools just like any other business function. IT support tools assist the help desk with a variety of tasks, including managing remote connections, incident logging and more. The following are tools you will use as an IT support technician:
- Computer hardware such as a computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse
- Software, including antivirus software, operating systems and business applications
- Communications and networking tools
- Remote access tools and network management tools
What is the work environment of an IT support technician?
Computer support specialists work full time. You can choose to do so by working nights or weekends because you may need to be available 24 hours a day to meet your clients' needs, which can vary at any time during the week. Some employers offer flexible schedules, and working from home is also common. Your working environment will basically be in an office. You may also travel to clients' locations.
Who are your colleagues as an IT support technician?
You will work with other IT professionals, such as network administrators, systems administrators and help desk. You will have colleagues from all levels of the organization, from low-level technicians to executives. As an IT technician, you will collaborate with other professionals who may be working in the same field, such as IT managers, software developers, programmers, programmer analysts, cyber security engineers, IT consultants, or computer technicians so you will be able to learn new things and gain more experience.
What is the work schedule of an IT support technician?
The work schedule for IT support technicians will vary depending on the company they work for. You will likely come into work at the same time every day. Some companies require you to be on call so that they can reach you if something goes wrong with the systems that your company owns or manages.
What is the career outlook for an IT support technician?
According to the BLS, the job outlook for IT support technicians is particularly good. The BLS expects the number of jobs in this field to increase by 9%. This is because companies are increasingly using computers and networks to run their businesses, which means that the need for IT support technicians will increase.
What are the advantages of working with Spherion as an IT support technician?
Spherion is one of the leading staffing companies. The team offers you a wide range of networking opportunities and services that help you find the perfect office for your work style. Whether you're looking to work with a small family business or a large company, Spherion has options for every industry. Other advantages include:
- Flexibility
- A contact person you turn to for help
- A lot of training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
- Weekly pay
What education do you need as an IT support technician?
Most employers prefer to hire people with a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers prefer to hire IT support technicians with a bachelor's degree or higher and relevant experience. To increase your chances of getting a job, you should obtain a degree in computer science, information technology or related fields.
Skills & competencies
As an IT support technician, you need:
- Communication skills
- Computer proficiency
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Network administration and troubleshooting skills
Experience
Though not always required, employers prefer hiring candidates with some experience in the IT field. Some employers will require you to have at least six months of experience before they will hire you.
Time management and organization
As an IT support technician, you require organization skills and the ability to work under pressure. You need the ability to prioritize your work tasks and multitask effectively. This is important in dealing with customers or your colleagues who may need help with a variety of different computing issues.
Reliability and dependability
As an IT support technician, you need to be reliable and dependable. You will also have the ability to work on your own or as part of a team. The skills required are those that allow for multitasking and independent problem-solving abilities.
Computer and software competencies
As an IT support technician, you should be knowledgeable about computers and the software that they use. This includes knowing how to troubleshoot common issues with hardware and software, as well as knowing how to install new hardware or software. Tools and programs you must know how to work with include:
- Computer operating systems (OS)
- Microsoft Windows
- Software programs (including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
- Printers
- Scanners
- Other hardware devices that are needed for your job
FAQs
IT support technicians are necessary team members at many organizations. Check out some frequently asked questions about this role.
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Who is an IT support technician?
An IT support technician is a person who provides technical support for computer hardware and software by troubleshooting problems and resolving issues with computers and networks.
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How long does it take to become an IT support technician?
It takes anywhere from six months to four years of experience to become an IT support technician. You can start by working in a job that requires you to be able to troubleshoot computer problems or as a temporary employee in a company that has customer service or technical support needs. After several months of working as an employee, you can then apply for a job as an independent contractor.
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When is the best time to start looking for a job as an IT support technician?
You should start looking for a job as an IT support technician when you have at least six months of experience in IT. Begin by working as an independent contractor or interning, and then move into a permanent position once you have your first few years of experience under your belt.
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What are the roles of an IT support technician?
The role of an IT support technician is to provide technical support and customer service to customers with computer problems.
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What skills do you need to be successful as an IT support technician?
You should have a good understanding of computer hardware and software because you will troubleshoot various problems that customers are having. You also need to have excellent communication skills to ensure that you are able to communicate effectively with customers about their computer issues.
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What are some of the challenges of being an IT support technician?
The biggest challenge of being an IT support technician is finding the right balance between working too much and not enough. You want to work hard enough so that you provide excellent customer service, but you also need to make sure that you have time to spend with family and friends, as well as time for yourself.
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How do I apply for a job as an IT support technician?
Applying for a job as an IT support technician is easy with Spherion. You can search for an IT support technician job on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your contact information and resume through Spherion’s open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential IT support technician roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.
