In short
Many IT support specialists start with some college or a certificate and an entry certification like CompTIA A+, which covers hardware, operating systems and troubleshooting. Computer user support specialists earned a median of $61,860 in May 2025. BLS projects a decline of 3.5% from 2025 to 2035, but still about 39,700 openings a year from turnover.
| Median pay | $61,860 a year, about $29.74 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Some college, plus moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 750,600 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected a decline of 3.5% |
| Openings each year | About 39,700 on average, including replacements |
| Common entry certification | CompTIA A+ |
| Where they work | Company IT departments, schools, managed service providers |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, BLS. National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.
The honest outlook
BLS projects total employment in this job to shrink slightly over the decade as tools automate simple fixes. Openings still come up as people move up or out. Treat help desk as a starting point and plan your next step, like networking, systems or cybersecurity.
What the work involves
Answering tickets, walking users through fixes, imaging laptops, setting up accounts, and documenting what you did. Patience with non-technical people is as important as tech skill.
How to start
Study for A+ through a community college course, a training program or self-study, then apply for help desk roles. A home lab where you build and fix machines is great practice and something to talk about in interviews.
Questions people ask
Can I get an IT job with just CompTIA A+?
Many entry help desk jobs ask for A+ or similar, plus good communication.
Is IT support a dead end?
Not if you keep learning. It is a common first step toward higher-paid IT roles.
Do I need a degree for IT support?
BLS lists some college as typical, but many employers hire on certifications and skills.