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.
Problems and challenges arise in everything. When a technological problem occurs in an organization, it can halt everyday tasks and pull attention away from the business that needs to be done. Technical support specialists take care of these hiccups so business can be accomplished as usual. If you enjoy problem-solving and being part of the bigger picture of success, then being a technical support specialist could be in your future.
What is a technical support specialist?
A technical support specialist does a range of tasks, from installing software to setting up computer workspaces, as well as solves technical issues that arise on a day-to-day basis. A technical support specialist may also do the following:
- Maintain system capability by testing computer components.
- Train users on the proper use of hardware and software.
- Document hardware and software changes, revisions, and problems.
- Test an organization's existing equipment and programs, and try out new systems and software to see if the organization would benefit from them.
- Clearly communicate with managers and co-workers to ensure the understanding of the proper use of technology and any troubleshooting that may be needed.
A technical support specialist may support internal clients, helping to keep employees productive, or external customers of a company, helping them via the telephone or web chat.
A technical support specialist is an important piece of an IT team, and companies generally employ more than one at a time. Technical support specialists at larger companies may be called upon to write user manuals for their employees or customers. Fields like education, finance, computer systems, and telecommunications employ technical support specialists.
IT career paths: How to get into IT support
How to become a technical support specialist
A technical support specialist can be an entry-level tech support job that does not require a four-year degree. Most companies hiring for this position will look for someone with some IT or customer service experience, which may be obtained during schooling or an internship.
At an entry-level tech support job, a technical support specialist could lead to other positions, like computer programmer or database administrator, as one’s experience and education grow.
Certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ can give you the background in IT that you need if you don’t already have it, and CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Linux+ can get your foot in the door as a technical support specialist. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become a technical support specialist.
CompTIA Linux+ validates the skills of IT pros with hands-on experience configuring, monitoring, and supporting servers running on the Linux operating system.
The exam focuses on the following skills:
- Security
- Kernel modules
- Storage and virtualization
- Device management at the enterprise level
- Git and automation
- Networking and firewalls
- Server side and command line
- Sever coverage
- Troubleshooting
- SELinux
In addition to certifications, CompTIA offers a full suite of training products to help you learn the technical and professional skills necessary to become a technical support specialist. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you land this role.
- CertMaster Learn: Learn at your pace with interactive lessons and videos.
- CertMaster Labs: Get hands-on practice using real software applications.
- CertMaster Practice: Test your knowledge and find out if you’re ready for the exam.
- The Official CompTIA Study Guide: Learn and review exam objectives with our comprehensive textbook.
The details
Technical support specialist salary
The salary for a technical support specialist or computer user support specialist varies based on job responsibilities, company, and location, but the median annual wage is $60,000, according to CompTIA Explore.
Technical support specialist job outlook
The need for tech support specialists continues to grow. According to a CompTIA analysis of Lightcast and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 758,000 tech support specialists will be needed in the U.S. alone by 2030. And looking back over the last year, there were more than 234,000 job postings by employers seeking tech support specialists in the U.S. during 2024. If you want to get into IT, tech support is a great place to start.
Job titles related to technical support specialist
+ Means More
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. You can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified, finding, interviewing for, and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career, but getting a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
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- We help you land your next job. CompTIA certifications hold great value in the IT industry and are highly sought-after by recruiters. They signify a proven competence and expertise in various tech disciplines, making individuals who earn these certifications stand out in the job market.
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