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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Desktop Support Tech I in South Carolina is $47,570 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Desktop Support Tech I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Desktop Support Tech I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $52,300 | $4,358 | $1,006 | $25 |
| Average | $47,570 | $3,964 | $915 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,240 | $3,603 | $832 | $21 |
Adams and Reese - Columbia, SC
Conflux Systems - Charleston, SC
IFAS LLC - Charleston, SC
Focused HR Solutions - Columbia, SC
A Desktop Support Tech I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Desktop Support Tech I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Support Tech I | 0-1 years | $47,569 |
| Computer Technician - Intermediate | 1-3 years | $57,076 |
| Computer Technician -Senior | 3-5 years | $67,048 |
| Desktop Support Manager | 5+ years | $110,759 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Desktop Support Tech Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Desktop Support Tech I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,252. While startup companies pay approximate $45,050.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $45,050 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $47,646 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $51,424 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $53,252 |
For Desktop Support Tech I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Desktop Support Tech positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Desktop Support Tech I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $71,355 | $34.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $66,598 | $32.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $61,841 | $30.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Desktop Support Tech I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $52,300 | $4,358 | $1,006 | $25 |
| Average | $47,570 | $3,964 | $915 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,240 | $3,603 | $832 | $21 |
For a Desktop Support Tech I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Technician - Intermediate role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $57,100 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Desktop Support Tech I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Nutramax Laboratories
Lancaster, SC
Nutramax Laboratories | Lancaster, SC
Job Description. Job Description. Description. The hours for this role are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. This position is 100% onsite in Lancaster, SC. ... more
8 Days Ago
Golden Technology
Lancaster, SC
Golden Technology | Lancaster, SC
The Role. Desktop Support Technician – Level 1. Location. 100% onsite in Lancaster, SC. Type. Direct Hire. What You’ll Do. The IT Service Desk is the point... more
9 Days Ago
Prisma Health
Columbia, SC
Prisma Health | Columbia, SC
Perioperative Care Support. Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference. Performs a variety of functions in support and care of patients requi... more
11 Days Ago
RTX
Greenville, SC
RTX | Greenville, SC
Field Service Technician. Collins Aerospace is hiring for a Field Service Technician to support our team in Charleston, SC. What You Will Do. Support the i... more
10 Days Ago
Morris Business Solutions
Duncan, SC
Morris Business Solutions | Duncan, SC
Are you a tech-savvy individual looking to jumpstart your career in the world of Information Technology. We have an exciting opportunity for a Level I IT S... more
10 Days Ago
Aledade, Inc.
Charleston, SC
Aledade, Inc. | Charleston, SC
A healthcare technology company is looking for a Technical Support Manager to lead a team in a mission-driven environment.This role includes overseeing ser... more
9 Days Ago
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