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Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salary in the United States

How much does a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry in the United States is $71,910 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,283
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,660 to $80,480
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,059
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View as table View as graph 25% $64,660 10% $58,059 90% $88,283 75% $80,480 $71,910 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $80,480 $6,707 $1,548 $39
Average $71,910 $5,993 $1,383 $35
25th Percentile $64,660 $5,388 $1,243 $31
Check out Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Job Openings in the United States
Desktop Support Technician II

IT1 - Columbus, OH

Desktop Support Technician

Insight Global - Columbus, OH

IT Support Technician Entry Level

Dawson - Columbus, OH

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Legacy Healthcare Services, Inc. - Columbus, OH

Search More Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salaries

A Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry'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:

  • Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry (0-2 years): $71,903
  • Client Desktop Services Senior Support Technician (2-4 years): $86,693
  • Client Desktop Technologies Manager (4+ years): $132,892
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry0-2 years$71,903
Client Desktop Services Senior Support Technician2-4 years$86,693
Client Desktop Technologies Manager4+ years$132,892
$71,903 Desktop S...
$86,693 Client De...
$132,892 Client De...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entries

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:

  • San Jose: $90,700
  • San Francisco: $89,700
  • Oakland: $87,810

What Skills Can Increase a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 11.37% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Active Directory (Mentioned in 3.53% Job Postings): Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft's proprietary directory service. It runs on Windows Server and enables administrators to manage permissions and access to network resources.
  • Service Desk (Mentioned in 1.49% Job Postings): A service desk is the single point of contact between the service provider and users for everyday activities. Goal of a service desk is to provide resolutions for user requests as efficiently as possible.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 11.37%
Active Directory 3.53%
Service Desk 1.49%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry's salary.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Innovation
$80,539
12%
Consulting
$79,101
10%
Leadership
$79,101
10%
Commitment
$77,663
8%
Integrity
$77,663
8%
Initiative
$76,944
7%
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Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $80,499. While startup companies pay approximate $68,100.

Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$68,100
Growth Stage51~500$72,024
Established501~5000$77,736
Enterprise5000+$80,499

Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$89,888$43.025%
Internet$86,292$41.020%
Energy & Utilities$82,696$40.015%
Aerospace & Defense$79,101$38.010%
Insurance$79,101$38.010%

How Education impacts a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entries enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry with a Associate's Degree is between $64,910 and $70,189).

Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 30.8%
Associates 27.6%
Bachelors 37.7%
Masters 3.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry'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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Client Desktop Services Senior Support Technician role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $86,700 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry

Salaries for a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $63,570 in 2023 to around $62,628 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$63,570
2024
$63,048
2025
$62,628
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $63,570
2024 $63,048
2025 $62,628
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry

Here are companies hiring for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Ohio State Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital

    Columbus, OH

    RN

    Ohio State Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital | Columbus, OH

    Travel Rn Stepdown (Pcu) Shift. Night shift - 12 hours. Start date: 09/21/2026. End date: 12/21/2026. Duration: 13 weeks. City: Columbus. State: OH more

    17 Days Ago

  • Titan Medical Group, LLC

    Columbus, OH

    Titan Medical Group, LLC | Columbus, OH

    Travel Or Position. Titan Medical is looking for travelers to fill a travel OR position for a 13-week assignment in Columbus, OH more

    17 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Associate Vice President, Internal Communications. About the Company. National consulting & advisory services firm focused on the healthcare industry. Indu... more

    20 Days Ago

  • C.R. England

    Columbus, OH

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. \n. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full ... more

    25 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Payments Engineering. About the Company. Globally-recognized provider of corporate payment solutions. Industry. Financial Services. Type. P... more

    27 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Senior Vice President of Project Delivery. About the Company. A multi-billion-dollar construction organization with collaborative, servant-minded leadershi... more

    27 Days Ago

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FAQ about Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Is help desk in high demand?

Yes, help desk roles are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 15% growth in IT support jobs over the next decade, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations. For Desktop Systems Support Technicians-Entry, salaries range from $62,010 to $82,830, with a median salary of $71,190, reflecting the increasing need for skilled professionals in this field.

3. Is help desk a good entry level job?

Entry-level help desk jobs can be a great way to start a career in the tech industry, offering salaries ranging from $62,010 to $82,830. These positions provide valuable experience and skills, making them a solid choice for those looking to break into the field.

4. Is support technician a good job?

If you have basic tech skills and are looking to enter the technology field, a support technician role can be an excellent starting point. With a salary range from $62,010 to $82,830, it offers a solid foundation for advancing into higher-paying IT positions. This role can pave the way for a rewarding career in technology.

5. What is the highest salary for a computer technician?

The highest salary for a Desktop Systems Support Technician-Entry is $82,830 annually. In California, cities like San Francisco offer competitive rates, with hourly wages reaching up to $73.21. Other cities, such as Santa Clara and Costa Mesa, also provide varying hourly rates, reflecting the demand for skilled technicians in the region.

6. How much money should I expect for an entry level IT job?

For an entry-level Desktop Systems Support Technician, you can expect a salary ranging from $62,010 to $82,830, with a median salary of around $71,190. While the average basic IT job may be around $35,000, this role offers significantly higher earning potential based on skills and experience.

7. Is help desk an IT job?

Yes, working at a service desk or help desk is indeed an IT job. It serves as an entry point for many IT professionals, including roles like Desktop Systems Support Technician. Salaries for this position range from $62,010 to $82,830, with a median salary of $71,190, reflecting the importance of support roles in the tech industry.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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