5 CompTIA A+ Jobs to Know

To qualify for entry-level IT roles, you’ll need to have a firm understanding of computer and data systems. Fortunately, one of the best ways to show you have the right skills is by obtaining CompTIA A+ certification, which demonstrates the certificate holder’s competence in foundational IT topics like hardware, software, and operating systems. 

But what jobs can you expect to qualify for with CompTIA certification exactly? And how much can you realistically expect to earn? 

Learn about some of the entry-level IT jobs you may qualify for with professional certification and how much each of them pays. Explore other certifications you might consider pursuing and some online, cost-effective professional certificates that could help you gain job-relevant skills today. 

CompTIA A+ certification jobs 

To obtain CompTIA A+ certification, you’ll need to pass two exams covering the most fundamental IT topics, such as mobile devices, virtualising, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. With a CompTIA A+ certification, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of entry-level IT jobs.

Some of the jobs you can expect to qualify for with CompTIA A+ certification include: 

1. User support technician 

User support technicians provide users with expert technical guidance and help them troubleshoot problems with their hardware or software. Working in-person or remotely on the phone,you can help either external clients or internal employees working within the same organisation. 

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, user support technicians earn a median hourly wage of $29.08 CAD as of November 2024 [1]. If you enjoy problem-solving and people-facing roles, you might enjoy this IT career. 

2. Help desk technician 

Help desk technicians fall into the category of user support technicians, much like IT support specialists, and provide users with either in-person or remote technical guidance to help them solve common hardware and software problems. You may also need to replicate issues customers face to help them find a solution and keep records of the support you provide. 

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, help desk technicians make a median hourly wage of $29.08 CAD [2] as of November 2024. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with others, and thinking quickly on your feet, then you might consider pursuing a job as a help desk technician. 

3. Computer field service technician 

Computer field service technicians travel to clients to provide on-premise support and guidance, such as troubleshooting software or hardware, repairing computer networks, or installing systems. Typically, field technicians handle relatively complex problems that can’t be solved over the phone and work in a much more hands-on capacity than other IT professionals. 

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, computer field service technicians earn a median hourly wage of $26.15 CAD as of November 2024 [3]. If you’re intrigued by the possibility of handling some of the most complex IT problems and working in person, then this role might be right for you. 

4. Technical support analyst

Technical support analysts provide technical assistance to users experiencing problems with computer hardware, software, or communication applications. You work in diverse environments to help users resolve issues by diagnosing, troubleshooting, and implementing solutions. Your work may require contributing to application redesign.

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, technical support analysts earn a median wage of $29.08 CAD as of November 2024 [4]. If you enjoy solving technical problems and working directly with people, you might consider a career as a technical support analyst.

5. Network support technician

Network support technicians install, maintain, troubleshoot, or repair users’ computer networks. You assist with the proper functioning of local and wide area networks, mainframe networks, hardware, and networking software. You also may provide problem-solving services, perform data backups, and implement security controls. 

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, associate network engineers earn a median hourly wage of $32.00 CAD as of November 2024 [5]. If you enjoy solving technical problems and ensuring network reliability, consider a career as a network support technician. 

Companies that require CompTIA A+ certification 

As you’re looking for jobs, you may come across some that don’t just prefer you to have CompTIA A+ certification but actually require it. Some employers that recommend or require CompTIA A+ certification include Dell, Intel, General Dynamics, and Nissan. 

If you want to pursue a career at one of these employers, then CompTIA A+ certification might be the right choice for you. 

Other IT certifications to consider

CompTIA A+ certification isn’t the only certification in town. Review other certifications or certificates you might consider pursuing to improve your chances of landing an entry-level IT job: 

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• CompTIA Security+

• GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)

• Google IT Support Professional Certificate 

• IBM IT Support Professional Certificate 

Prepare for an IT career with Coursera

CompTIA A+ certification equips you with foundational IT skills, preparing you for entry-level roles like user support technician, help desk technician, and network support technician. As an IT professional, you’ll need to stay up to day with the latest technologies to ensure you can do the best possible job. Gain job-relevant skills or hone those you’ve already learned by taking a cost-effective, online Professional Certificate through Coursera today. 

In the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, you’ll learn to perform day-to-day IT support tasks, including computer assembly, wireless networking, installing programmes, and customer service, and get job-ready in as little as six months. 

In IBM’s IT Support Professional Certificate, meanwhile, you’ll build essential computer networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing skills that IT Support and Helpdesk specialists need to be successful in as little as three months.