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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an It Desktop Technician in California is $66,263 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an It Desktop Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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It Desktop Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $73,845 | $6,154 | $1,420 | $36 |
| Average | $66,263 | $5,522 | $1,274 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,641 | $4,970 | $1,147 | $29 |
Adaptive Information Systems - Salinas, CA
Pacific Office Automation - Pleasanton, CA
Sky Systems, Inc. - Santa Barbara, CA
FMI Aerostructures - Valencia, CA
An It Desktop Technician'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 an It Desktop Technician'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Help Desk... Level It Desktop Technician | $57,474 |
| It Deskto... Level It Desktop Technician | $66,723 |
| Help Desk... Level It Desktop Technician | $75,520 |
| Help Desk... Level It Desktop Technician | $83,256 |
| Help Desk... Level It Desktop Technician | $93,536 |
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 It Desktop Technicians. 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:
For It Desktop Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, It Desktop Technician positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view It Desktop Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $72,889 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $72,889 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $72,889 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $72,889 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $72,889 | $35.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an It Desktop Technician'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 | $73,845 | $6,154 | $1,420 | $36 |
| Average | $66,263 | $5,522 | $1,274 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,641 | $4,970 | $1,147 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current It Desktop Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Gunnison Consulting Group, Inc.
Sacramento, CA
Gunnison Consulting Group, Inc. | Sacramento, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Salary: $40,000 - $43,000/year. The start date for this position is estimated to be early- to mid-September ... more
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The Rockridge Group
South San Francisco, CA
The Rockridge Group | South San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Desktop Technician/Jr. Systems Administrator We are a Managed Service Provider (MSP) providing IT consultation and suppor... more
7 Days Ago
Milestone Technologies, Inc.
Camarillo, CA
Milestone Technologies, Inc. | Camarillo, CA
6 Month Contract for Hire (W2 Only - No C2C/No Visa Sponsorship/No Student Sponsorship). 100% onsite in Camarillo, CA (Start between 7AM and 8AM). Pay up t... more
5 Days Ago
IT1
San Diego, CA
IT1 | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. iT1, a leading national technology solution provider headquartered in Tempe, AZ, is looking for a skilled and experienced... more
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Kros-Wise
San Diego, CA
Kros-Wise | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. OverviewWe are seeking a Computer User Support Specialist to provide Tier I and II support for end-user systems within a ... more
5 Days Ago
PRIDE Industries
Roseville, CA
PRIDE Industries | Roseville, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. PRIDE Industries is a fast-paced company with a mission: To Create Jobs for People with Disabilities while prov... more
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