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Entry-Level IT Support Jobs: Skills, Education, and Salaries
Entry-level IT support jobs can be the starting point for successful IT careers. Learn more about how to get one of these jobs and how much you can make.
March 17, 2023
Article
Jobs in computer and information technology earn more than twice the average salary for all occupations*. Here, you’ll find the resources you need to jumpstart your IT career.
Gain in-demand skills with IT industry leaders
Skills you'll gain: Network Troubleshooting, Hardware Troubleshooting, Command-Line Interface, Desktop Support, Operating Systems, System Support, Help Desk Support, Network Support, Network Security, Microsoft Windows, Computer Hardware, General Networking, Technical Support, Mac OS, Networking Hardware, Network Administration, Technical Support and Services, Linux, Mobile Security, Infrastructure Security
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Network Troubleshooting, Hardware Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Help Desk Support, Network Support, Computer Hardware, Networking Hardware, Technical Support and Services, System Configuration, Network Administration, Network Protocols, Computer Displays, Network Infrastructure, Peripheral Devices, Data Storage, Hardware Architecture, Display Devices
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Cloud Management, Microsoft Azure, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Virtual Machines, Identity and Access Management, Cybersecurity, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Azure Active Directory, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, System Monitoring, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Disaster Recovery
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IT professionals have many different career paths and specializations to choose from. Each year, approximately 337,500 jobs are created within the field*. Becoming an IT support specialist is an excellent first step whether you know where your career path will take you or not. You’ll learn and practice foundational IT skills such as network administration, software and hardware troubleshooting, working the help desk, and managing computer information systems. Learn more about how to prepare for an entry-level IT role and how Coursera can help:
Do I Need an Information Technology Degree? 4 Things to Consider
5 Tech Entry-Level Jobs in 2024: No Experience or Commute Required
IT courses on Coursera are structured to accommodate learners at various levels:
Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities in the field. Read this article about 10 Essential IT Certifications.
According to CompTIA*, 21% of IT professionals who obtained a bump in their salary attribute it to new skill development.
*Comptia. "IT Salaries: Where the Money’s At, https://www.comptia.org/blog/it-salaries#:~:text=13%25%20of%20IT%20professionals%20credit,their%20salary%20increase%20nearly%20%2413%2C000." Accessed February 23, 2024.
*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Technology Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.” Accessed January 30, 2024.