Entry-Level IT Support Jobs Overview: Skills, Education, 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
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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: Computer Networking, Network Analysis, Network Architecture, Networking Hardware, Network Model, Critical Thinking, Linux, Computer Architecture, Network Security, Human Computer Interaction, Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Programming, Cloud Computing, Leadership and Management, Operating Systems, System Security, Cryptography, Customer Support
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Computer Networking, Customer Success, Operating Systems, Cloud Applications, Leadership and Management, System Security, Strategy and Operations, Cloud Infrastructure, Communication, Computer Programming, Cyberattacks, Customer Support, Databases, Networking Hardware, Cloud Platforms, Cryptography, DevOps, IBM Cloud, Information Technology, Network Architecture, Network Security, Security Engineering, Software Engineering
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Computer Architecture, Data Management, Network Security, Operating Systems
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
When we think of entry-level IT jobs, we often think of support specialists who help troubleshoot computer issues. However, the field extends well beyond the help desk. Some in-demand entry-level IT jobs include computer support specialist, web developer, junior systems administrator, junior systems analyst, and site reliability engineer. Read this article for details about more entry-level IT jobs.
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.