Computer Systems Support Technician Salary Guide: Secure Your Earning Potential
Computer systems support Technicians are crucial members of Information Technology teams. They keep people and technology connected and working so organizations run smoothly. As a computer support technician, you need in-depth knowledge of networks, hardware, software, and emerging technologies. You need to know how to manage, maintain, and troubleshoot computers, networks, and their components to ensure everyone can connect and operate seamlessly. As the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to grow, understanding the salary landscape is important for both new and experienced computer systems support technicians. Whether you're just starting your career, ready to transition into tech, or have some time under your belt, knowing where you stand in the job market and what factors influence your salary can help you make informed decisions.
Are you ready to learn what to expect from a career in the dynamic IT field? Check out our comprehensive salary guide that covers essential aspects of a computer support specialist role like salary ranges, top-paying regions, factors affecting pay, and career growth opportunities for computer systems support technicians in the United States.
What is the Salary Range for Computer Systems Support Technicians in the United States?
Under the umbrella of computer support specialists, you might serve as a computer user support specialist or a computer network support specialist. As a computer user support specialist or help desk technician, you help individuals with computer-related issues. You provide direct technical support for software, hardware, and network problems over the phone, through chat, or in person. As a computer network support specialist, you focus on the larger infrastructure—supporting the networks that connect computers within an organization. You monitor systems, test network performance, and fix more complex issues related to servers, firewalls, routers, and connectivity.
The salary range for computer user support technicians in the United States can vary significantly based on factors like experience, education, location, and industry. Your niche within the industry also plays a role. You’re likely to earn more as a computer network support specialist than a computer user support specialist. The median wage for a computer user support specialist was $60,340 in 2024 and for a network specialist, it was $73,3401.
Where Can You Earn Well as a Computer Systems Support Technician?
Where you live and work can greatly impact what you earn as a computer systems support technician. For example, in New Jersey, average earnings for a computer user support tech is more than $65,0002. And network support techs earn more than 20 percent above the national average in the state3. Top computer network support specialists earners in New Jersey make around $130,0003.
While you’re apt to find the best paying tech jobs in urban areas, many IT roles often allow for remote work. Considering the cost of living in your area will help you determine how far your salary may go. Because technology is critical to businesses, it always needs to run. That means there may be opportunity for overtime work—and pay—that can boost your net earnings.
It’s important to consider a range of factors when you decide where you wish to work. Pay close attention to regional job availability and average salaries, and determine what is most important to you when it comes to salary expectations, expenses, and potential work-life balance in your state.
What are Required Skills and Responsibilities of a Computer Support Technician?
As a computer systems support tech, you play a critical role in the upkeep of existing computers and networks your company utilizes. You may be required to manage hardware and software including tracking network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the security of network data. You also work closely with other IT professionals to integrate new technologies into the network infrastructure. To succeed in computer systems support, you must demonstrate a strong understanding of network systems, as well as certain critical soft skills including communication, customer service, problem solving, and teamwork.
Where is the Highest Demand for Computer Systems support Techs?
Demand for computer systems support technicians is projected to grow nationwide over the decade according to BLS statistics4. However, some areas anticipate higher demand than the national average. For example, in New York both computer network support specialists5 and computer user support specialists6 are expected to outshine the rest of the country for demand.
And you may find work in all sorts of industries and settings. Some industries with the highest employment levels of computer systems support techs include computer systems design, education, telecommunications, government, and financial services7.
What Career Growth is Available for Computer Systems Support Technicians?
Along with overtime pay and opportunities for bonuses, your salary can also receive a bump as you learn more skills, acquire certifications, and opt in to additional education. Through these methods, you have the potential to enter management or supervisory roles in your company, like network administrator. Positions like this can lead to more responsibilities, higher status, and greater earning potential. And as with any job, the more you learn, the more you may earn.
What Certifications Do Computer Systems Support Techs Get?
In many cases, employers will offer higher-paid positions to computer systems support technicians depending on the certifications they acquire. These certificates help show your dedication to the industry and that you have the necessary credentials to excel at your job. One of the most common certifications you can earn as a computer systems support technician is the CompTIA+ certification. For some employers, this certification is a prerequisite to employment depending on the area you wish to enter. There is a variety of CompTIA+ certifications for different specializations, including:
- CompTIA ITF+
- CompTIA Tech+
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Linux+
Benefits and Perks Commonly Offered to Computer Systems Support Technicians
Common benefits for full-time IT workers include health insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans, disability coverage, paid time off, and even stock options. If you prefer part time work, you may consider its flexible hours a significant benefit. As you begin your job search, consider whether employers offer additional incentives such as tuition reimbursement for certifications, and performance-based bonuses. These benefits would contribute to your overall pay and enhance your job satisfaction with an employer.
There are many factors to consider when you look for employment in the Information Technology industry. Much of it will depend on your skillset, education, credentials, and where you live or want to work. Once you are well trained in the field, consider all these factors before you make your decision about where to work and train to become a computer systems support technician.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-5, Retrieved July 14, 2025.
2 O*Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/15-1232.00?st=NJ, Retrieved July 14, 2025.
3 O*Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/15-1231.00?st=NJ, Retrieved July 14, 2025.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-Technicians.htm#tab-6, Retrieved July 10, 2025.
5 O*Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/15-1231.00?st=NY, Retrieved July 14, 2025.
6 O*Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/15-1232.00?st=NY, Retrieved July 14, 2025.
7 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-3, Retrieved July 10, 2025.