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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Desktop Support Administrator in California is $73,763 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Desktop Support Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Desktop Support Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $80,939 | $6,745 | $1,557 | $39 |
| Average | $73,763 | $6,147 | $1,419 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,997 | $5,416 | $1,250 | $31 |
Desktop & Depot Support - El Segundo, CA
Atomic Machines - Emeryville, CA
Atomic Machines - Santa Clara, CA
LaBine and Associates - San Francisco, CA
A Desktop Support Administrator'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.
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 Administrators. 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 Desktop Support Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Desktop Support Administrator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Desktop Support Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $88,516 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $88,516 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,516 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $88,516 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $88,516 | $43.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Desktop Support Administrator'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 | $80,939 | $6,745 | $1,557 | $39 |
| Average | $73,763 | $6,147 | $1,419 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,997 | $5,416 | $1,250 | $31 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Desktop Support Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
The Rockridge Group
Vacaville, CA
The Rockridge Group | Vacaville, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Desktop Support Technician – L2. Location. Vacaville, California. Summary. Respond to assignments usually invo... more
9 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
7 Days Ago
Omni Inclusive
South San Francisco, CA
Omni Inclusive | South San Francisco, CA
Pharmaceutical It Support ContractorTop 3 must have's:Microsoft Windows exp - Windows operating systems experience not Office - (at least 3 yrs or more)Exp... more
9 Days Ago
Eleven Recruiting
San Francisco, CA
Eleven Recruiting | San Francisco, CA
Job PostingEleven Recruiting is a specialized technology staffing agency supporting professional and financial services companies. We listen and act as adv... more
9 Days Ago
ShiftCode Analytics
San Francisco, CA
ShiftCode Analytics | San Francisco, CA
Sr. Level Desktop Support For AirportsInterview:Video Visa:USC, GC, GC EAD, H4 Location:SFO or LAX. This is onsite from Day-1.Description:Sr. level desktop... more
9 Days Ago
Syntricate Technologies
San Francisco, CA
Syntricate Technologies | San Francisco, CA
Job TitleRequired Skills:4year experience perform on-site and remote analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of issues while ensuring effective hardware and so... more
9 Days Ago
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