This article is part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move. These articles take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles, and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.
If you like to solve technical issues and work with people, then a help desk technician role may be a good next step for you.
What is a help desk technician?
A help desk technician’s responsibilities include:
- Diagnosing and solving computer issues
- Installing and training end users in new technologies
- Providing remote technical support over the phone or internet
- Backing up and restoring data files
- Repairing hardware and configuring software to maintain operating systems
A help desk technician must have both hard and soft skills because the position requires a strong technical understanding and the ability to communicate clearly with others. For example, when a user has a question, the help desk technician must be able to diagnose the IT issue and explain the solution to the user.
Read more about the daily life of a help desk technician.
How to become a help desk technician
While a formal education may help you get the job, a college degree is not necessary to become a help desk technician. IT certifications will prove that you have the skills to handle the job. CompTIA A+ is a widely recognized certification held by help desk technicians.
You have many training options to help you prepare for your CompTIA A+ exam, including self-study materials, virtual labs, online classes, and in-person career prep classes.
The details
Salary range
The median annual salary for help desk technicians in the U.S. is $52,000. Many factors influence wages, including location, job level, industry sector and employer size, specialty skills, and more. For those committed to growing their experience and expertise over time, professionals may earn much higher pay. Those in the advanced career stage of this help desk job role may earn more than $76,000. (Source: CompTIA Explore Careers)
Job demand
The need for tech support and help desk technicians continues to grow. According to a CompTIA analysis of Lightcast and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 220,000 help desk technicians will be needed in the U.S. by 2030. Looking back over the last year, there were more than 65,000 job postings by employers seeking help desk technicians in the U.S. during 2024.
Job titles related to help desk technician
- Desktop support specialist or technician
Will your next move be a help desk technician? If so, check out CompTIA A+ to get you there.