CompTIA A+ - Core 1 (Hardware)

What does an A+ Technician earn?

Median National Salary*:
$49,770

Annual Job Postings*:
380,100+

Job Growth Above Natl Avg*:
28%

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Outlook Handbook

Bureau Of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

ONet
Job Info

* Source: CompTIA | Lightcast | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: Many factors influence salaries, including location, job level, specialty skills and years of experience. Job posting figures are for the 12-month period ending October 2022 and serve as a proxy for employer demand. *The 10-year projected job growth above the national average rate covers 2022-2032.

If you like to solve technical issues and work with people, then help desk technician 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 as well as 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 as well as explain the solution to the user. Read more about the daily life of a help desk technician here.

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.

The Details

Salary Range
The median salary and wage for computer support specialists are $57,910 per year and $27.84 per hour as of May 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)).

Job Outlook
From 2021 to 2031, the BLS projects an increase of 6% for computer support specialists, with 56,400 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.

Job Titles Related to Help Desk Technician

• Computer support technician/specialist.
• Help desk support engineer.
• Desktop support specialist

Have you outgrown your role at the help desk? If it’s time to move onward and upward, consider a career as an IT specialist. The job of an IT specialist is best described as a blend of a technical support specialist and a network support technician. Your responsibilities include timely resolution of both end user and network issues through troubleshooting. If you like working with people and computers, and enjoy the challenges that come with problem solving, then a career as an IT specialist may be for you.

What Is an IT Specialist?
An IT specialist is the person that can be counted on when things fall apart. From supporting internal employees and helping to keep them productive to assisting external customers, an IT specialist seems to handle it all.

Other duties may include the following:

• Install computer hardware and peripheral components like monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, network cards and disk drives.
• Load specific software packages, such as operating systems or graphic design programs.
• Install software and update drivers.
• Set up and troubleshoot computer hardware.
• Maintain daily performance of computer systems and networks

The role of IT specialist varies depending on company size. Large organizations are likely to have IT specialists on staff, while smaller companies may use contract employees or outsource to a managed service provider (MSP).

An IT specialist must be organized and have technical skills, since they are most likely the one to set up new work stations, respond to basic network and software problems, and provide desktop support.

Sometimes, an IT specialist will be called up to think outside the box for solutions without obvious answers, so someone in this position must be able to think on their feet and look for creative solutions. Fields like education, finance, computer systems and telecommunications employ IT specialists.

How to Become an IT Specialist
While an IT specialist is still considered an early-career position, many companies hiring for this role require a few years of experience – perhaps at the help desk. Many ask for at least an associate’s degree, though some prefer a bachelor’s degree in information technology or computer science.

Candidates who don’t have a degree or have a degree in another field can validate their experience and knowledge with CompTIA A+. This IT certification is the industry standard for launching an IT career. Studying for and earning CompTIA A+ prove to employers that you are able to handle the tasks and responsibilities of an IT specialist.

The Details

IT Specialist Salary Range
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an IT specialist made $49,770 on average as of May 2021.

IT Specialist Job Outlook
According to the BLS, a 6% increase in IT specialist jobs is expected between 2021 and 2031.

Job Titles Related to IT Specialist

• IT support manager
• IT project manager
• Field service technician
• Technical support specialist

Contrary to popular (and stereotypical) belief, you can be an IT pro with a passion for people. After all, technology doesn’t work if the end user doesn’t understand how to use it. If your excitement for technology intersects with your love of helping people, then field service technician may be a good next move for you.

What Is a Field Service Technician?
A field service technician is responsible for analyzing, troubleshooting and evaluating technology issues in the field. This role generally supports external clients or end users in the following ways:

• Make data easily accessible to those who need it.
• Pay attention to customers’ descriptions of computer problems.
• Ask questions to properly diagnose the problem.
• Walk customers through the recommended problem-solving steps.
• Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices.
• Train users to work with new computer hardware or software.
• Document changes, revision and problems.
• Provide information to other team members and managers.

The main role of a field service technician is helping end users get the most out of their equipment. Individuals who are technically well-versed and are able to help clients install, repair and maintain hardware and software while building relationships with customers will succeed in this role.

It’s important to note that a field service technician is not your typical office job. As the title implies, this type of IT pro works in the field, meaning at client sites or a customer’s house – like a cable company technician, for example.

Your day likely consists of a schedule of places to be at certain times, and you could be in charge of making your own schedule. However, there is always some paperwork involved.

In addition to troubleshooting and problem solving, field service technicians are also responsible for creating reports outlining their field calls.

How to Become a Field Service Technician
Most employers hiring a field service technician are looking for someone with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Of course, since mechanical aptitude is necessary, third-party validation of your technical skills can help you get your foot in the door.

In fact, out of all the IT job listings out there, CompTIA A+ appears the most in ads for field service technicians, field techs or field engineers. Earning your CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates your baseline knowledge of hardware, software, infrastructure and networking. Read more about how to get an IT certification.

But technical skills are not the only requirement for this role. Professional skills play a big part as well.

Here are a few of the most important soft skills that a field service technician must have:

• Great attention to detail.
• Self motivation.
• The ability to explain complex technical terms in a user-friendly way.

While a field service technician is generally an entry-level position, those who excel in the role may move on to become office managers or head field service technicians.

The Details

Field Service Technician Salary Range
The median annual wage for a field service technician is $57,910 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)).

Field Service Technician Job Outlook
From 2018 to 2028, CompTIA projects an increase of 10% for field service technicians, with 863,100 jobs recorded in 2018.

Job Titles Related to Field Service Technician

• Field systems technician
• Field technician
• Field engineer

Effective IT teams are essential to the operational success of nearly any business. Like any other business team, IT benefits from solid leadership. An effective IT leader needs to be able to manage teams efficiently and communicate with end users, vendors and those outside the industry. If you have an interest in leading a team, while still providing end-user support and education, you may be interested in a career as an IT support manager.

What Is an IT Support Manager?

The IT support manager leads the help desk team, which may include various tiers of help desk technicians and technical support specialists. To do this, IT support managers need to have a working knowledge of the software and hardware systems in place at an organization and be able to implement or optimize the troubleshooting processes that lead to successful resolution of IT issues.

Successful IT support managers also equip their team with the necessary resources and training to facilitate optimal outcomes. They must also be able to communicate sophisticated technology concepts to both IT pros and end users, the latter of which may have limited technical understanding.

Other duties of an IT support manager may include the following:

• Providing an optimal working environment for help desk employees while enabling quick and effective resolution.
• Training employees to adhere to customer service principles and best practices.
• Enabling fast and successful resolution of user issues.
• Supporting communication between escalation teams and end users.
• Developing a knowledge base of easily accessible resources for help desk employees to use when assisting end users.
• Evaluating the performance of individual technicians.
• Ensuring help desk technicians are abiding by ticketing expectations and tracking the resolution of problems.
• Supporting the delivery of quality technical support for end users or clients.

An IT support manager is expected to develop necessary processes to make sure user issues are resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. These leaders need a wide-ranging knowledge of troubleshooting procedures and common IT problems.

Additionally, they are expected to guide their team to track issues from start to finish. Effective IT support managers will manage both people and processes to enable the smooth and quick resolution of technical problems.

How to Become an IT Support Manager
IT support managers have usually worked their way up the tiers of the help desk. Ideally, an IT support manager also has leadership experience, either formally as a supervisor or as a team lead.

Some organizations may require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but experience and IT certifications may suffice. CompTIA certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Project+ can validate your skills and show employers you’re an ideal fit for the position. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become an IT support manager.

The Details

IT Support Manager Salary Range
The 2019 median annual salary for this position was $59,234. (Burning Glass Technologies Labor Insights 2019)

IT Support Manager Job Outlook
There were 11,093 job postings for IT support manager roles in 2019, according to Burning Glass Technologies (2019) Labor Insights.

Job Titles Related to IT Support Manager

• Help desk manager
• Technical support manager
• IT support team lead

The most technically advanced system is useless without capable users. And even with them, technology is not always used to its full potential. Organizations are constantly looking for ways to improve how they leverage technology. Luckily, business analysts help companies align IT resources with business goals. If you crave big-picture problem solving, consider a career as a business analyst.

What Is a Business Analyst?
Business analysts observe companies and look for improvement opportunities. A business analyst conducts interviews, observes meetings and analyzes data. After gathering information, a business analyst will present their proposed solution.

Business analysts help organizations identify problems, discuss solutions and implement change. Business analysts might work on some of the following types of projects:

• Analyzing a business process and making sure company technology is suited for the task.
• Understanding stakeholder goals and implementing progress tracking methods.
• Interpreting data analytics to inform business decisions.
• Skills Needed by Business Analysts

Employers may require the following skills for business analysts:

• Communication skills to guide conversations with management and clients.
• Analytical skills to find issues from varying information sources.
• Creativity with project planning and problem-solving.
• Persuasion skills when explaining proposed solutions.
• Self-management skills to complete tasks without frequent intervention

How To Become a Business Analyst
Most business analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree, but there are very few college or university programs tailored to business consulting.

Business analysts need to understand technology before they can guide organizations. Therefore, business analysts must have a solid IT foundation and a technical vocabulary to be successful. Preparing for and getting core IT certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ can build your technical knowledge.

Because interpreting data is a key part of being a business analyst, consider CompTIA Data+ as well. CompTIA Data+ is an early-career data analytics certification for professionals tasked with developing and promoting data-driven business decision-making.

You’ll find that formal business analyst training is rare, but certifications in areas like project management can also help business analysts stand out. CompTIA Project+ empowers business analysts with the skills to navigate the project lifecycle, communication and resource allocation. With CompTIA Project+, business analysts prove to employers that they have the skills to plan, execute and document their business solutions.

The Details

Business Analyst Salary Range
The median salary for a business analyst is $93,000 as of May 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS).

Business Analyst Job Outlook
Business analyst employment is projected to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031, with more than 108,400 new job openings (BLS).

Job Titles Related to Business Analyst

• Operations analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Management consultant
• Management analyst
• Technology consultant

To join the IT world, you have to start with something big. Something that will kickstart your career and begin your journey. Organizations look for someone who can support others while also supporting their business. Data support technicians help others with IT questions or requests and share a variety of skills and knowledge. If you’re a natural problem solver and would like to expand on your computer literacy skills, becoming a data support technician could be your next move.

What Is a Data Support Technician?
Data support technicians offer a large array of services to help users with issues or repairs they may have or need. These technicians either work as part of a help desk team or specialize in certain types of equipment or programs. Data support technicians allow users to experience remote assistance in the following ways:

• Ensure the functionality and operations of semi-automated systems.
• Execute complex troubleshooting and repairs.
• Track, prioritize and document requests using an IT support request system.
• Provide technical support for computers and associated networks.
• Install, test, maintain and upgrade operating systems

Data support technicians typically maintain computer networks or provide technical help directly to users. Very similar to help desk technicians, they support others remotely or in person. Data support technicians may also work in call centers or work in a specific firm assisting others.

Another important task provided by data support technicians is assisting with installation, setup, upgrades and troubleshooting. The list is endless, yet there are always people that need support.

How to Become a Data Support Technician
Your journey towards becoming a data support technician may begin with a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, IT or equivalent experience. Fluency in operation systems, workstations, VPN, CRCST and FST software, systems and protocols is also necessary.

A few other typical qualifications include experience with tablets and writing protocols, displayed computer literacy and computing skills, attention to detail and time management skills.

Certifications such as, CompTIA A+, can help anyone wanting to gain the knowledge and skills to become a data support technician. CompTIA A+ covers the basis required to establish a career in IT in today’s digital world.

CompTIA A+ allows you to validate your baseline knowledge of the following:

• Demonstrate security skills for IT support professionals.
• Support basic IT infrastructure and networking.
• Configure device operating systems and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware.
• Execute basic data backups and recovery methods.
• Apply data storage and management best practices

Keep in mind the CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams.

The Details

Data Support Technician Salary Range
The median annual salary for a data support technician is $58,428 as of March 2022 (Glassdoor).

Data Support Technician Job Outlook
From 2020 to 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an increase in growth of 9% for data support technicians, with 72,200 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.

Job Titles Related to Data Support Technician

• IT specialist
• IT support manager
• Help desk technician
• Technical support specialist
• Desktop support administrator

Problems and challenges arise in everything. When a technological problem occurs in an organization, it can halt everyday tasks and pull attention away from 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 proper use of hardware and software.
• Document hardware and software changes, revisions and problems.
• Test an organizations’ 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.

How to Become a Technical Support Specialist
A technical support specialist can be an entry-level tech support job, not requiring 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. CompTIA's workforce charity, Creating IT Futures, helps train adults for technical support specialist positions for free through its IT-Ready program.

As an entry-level tech support job, technical support specialist could lead to other positions, like computer programmer or database administrator as one’s experience and education grows. 

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

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 in 2021 was $62,760, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Technical Support Specialist Job Outlook
Employment of technical support specialists is on the rise, with 11% growth expected from 2016 to 2026, according to the BLS. If you want to get into IT, technical support specialist is a great place to start.

Job Titles Related to Technical Support Specialist

• Customer support specialist
• Help desk specialist
• Information technology project manager
• IT training specialist

In the United States alone, it’s estimated that more than 100,000 solution provider and managed service provider (MSP) companies are actively involved in the sale and support of technology to businesses. Each of these organizations offer a tremendous opportunity to begin and advance your tech career – in a multitude of roles.

What Is a Managed Service Provider?
A managed service provider is an IT business that has the skills, expertise and experience to implement and manage the technology solutions that help their clients’ businesses achieve peak performance.

Those responsibilities typically include the following roles:

• Work closely with businesses and other organizations to develop tech solutions that help solve a customer’s specific business need.
• Manage and monitor networks, systems and devices remotely.
• Serve as an outsourced IT department for many small firms.
• Provide remote and on-site service and repairs.
• Help plan long-term IT projects and strategies.
• Implement cybersecurity products to protect customer data and infrastructure.
• Communicate regularly with customers to ensure that user tech needs are met and IT systems are operating properly

It’s often said that the IT supply chain begins with the manufacturers of hardware, software products and services and ends with the organizations that consume the technology.

But in between, MSPs provide a critical layer of support, serving both as “feet on the street” for the tech vendors and as trusted tech and business advisors to the end customer. Their primary role is to ensure that a vendor’s products and services are being used correctly and efficiently, and to resolve any issues that arise in a timely manner – and that’s where IT pros come in.

How to Get a Job with a Managed Service Provider
MSPs offer an immense range of tech career opportunities, including technical engineers, application developers and tech consultants. While most MSP employers historically have required an associate’s or bachelor’s degree for consideration, many now recognize that certification programs, apprenticeships and other training programs present a great way to fill much-needed technical positions.

Since businesses of all sizes, in the smallest of towns and the most rural of areas, use technology, MSPs offer enticing job opportunities almost anywhere. In other words, you don’t need to relocate to Silicon Valley or Silicon Alley to get a job as an MSP IT pro.

MSPs perform a wide variety of functions, depending on the company’s specific expertise and customer need. This creates a number of career pathways to consider, including field service technician, solution architect, help desk technician and systems administrator. Whatever path you choose, an MSP employer will want to see proof of your expertise.

The Details

Managed Service Provider Personnel Salary Range
ZipRecruiter reports that MSP salaries range greatly, from $22,500 to $138,000, with the U.S. national average at $69,167 (ZipRecruiter). On the technical side of the house, salary is fully dependent on the role. According to the CompTIA IT Salary Calculator, IT support specialists make a median annual salary of $52,690 whereas network administrators and engineers make a median annual salary of $84,810. And remember, salary not only varies by job role, but also by geography, company size, experience level and more, so there is a broad salary band for each.

Managed Service Provider Job Outlook
From 2020 to 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an increase of 33% for information security analysts and consultants with 47,100 net new jobs expected within a 10-year period.

Job Titles Related to Managed Service Provider

• Cybersecurity specialist
• Cloud security specialist
• Data architect
• IT specialist
• Help desk technician
• Systems administrator

When an organization’s server is running smoothly in the background, work continues without interruption and nobody thinks about the server technician. But when a problem arises, the server technician is the emergency contact. If you have a knack for problem solving and work well under pressure, IT server technician may be a good next move for you.

What Is an IT Server Technician?
An IT server technician ensures an organization’s server systems are running smoothly by installing, troubleshooting and maintaining systems in the following ways:  

• Installs servers, archives data and switches to new systems.
• Builds and configures servers into new networks.
• Maintains and upgrades servers.
• Troubleshoots server and computer network issues.
• Runs security and vulnerability scans.
• Upgrades hardware and software.
• Resolves server-related customer support issues

The scope of an IT server technician role can range depending on the size and type of employer. Some server technicians work full-time to oversee the server systems of a specific company, while others operate on a contract basis and are called in when needed. Your responsibilities may be focused on managing the server system for a school or office, all the way up to overseeing rows of servers housed in data centers for large enterprise or tech companies.

How to Become an IT Server Technician
Most companies hiring a server technician will be looking for a candidate with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science – or equivalent experience. An IT server technician is a mid-level role, and you should expect to gain experience in several different positions before landing this one.

For example, you could begin your IT career as a help desk technician, move up to a network administrator role and then specialize in server management.

Candidates should also have excellent communication and critical thinking skills as well as attention to detail, technical writing ability and a knack for problem solving. Employers will expect you to be able to effectively troubleshoot, provide technical support and understand network administration – especially in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

The Details

IT Server Technician Salary Range
The average salary for IT server technicians is $59,660 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)) as of May 2022.

IT Server Technician Job Outlook
From 2022 to 2032, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an increase of 5% for the category of computer support specialists with 49,200 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.

Job Titles Related to IT Server Technician

• Server support technician
• Network administrator
• Systems administrator
• Network engineer
• Data center technician
• Server administrator