Entry-level tech support jobs are a strong starting point.
You can qualify without a degree if you build the right skills and proof. Follow these steps, keep it practical, and apply consistently.
What the Job Is
Entry-level tech support jobs help users solve hardware, software, and network issues.
You handle tickets, calls, chat, or email. You guide users through fixes, install software, set up devices, and document what happened.
Titles include Help Desk, Service Desk, IT Support Specialist, and Computer User Support Specialist.
Pay and Outlook You Should Expect
In the U.S., the median annual wage for computer user support specialists is around $60,000 at the national level.
The broader computer support specialists median is in the low $60,000s, and network support specialists typically earn in the low–mid $70,000s.
Salary varies by city, shift, and industry; healthcare, finance, and government often pay more than small private offices.
Despite automation, there are still tens of thousands of annual openings due to turnover and internal promotions.
Skills You Need First
Focus on five areas:
- Customer support: clear communication, active listening, calm under pressure.
- Troubleshooting: methodical diagnosis of OS, apps, and basic networks.
- Operating systems: Windows basics, user accounts, updates, drivers, and common macOS tasks.
- Networking: IP basics, Wi-Fi, DNS, DHCP, VPN, and router resets.
- Security hygiene: passwords, MFA, phishing triage, and endpoint protection basics.
Credentials That Help You Stand Out
CompTIA A+ (Core 1 + Core 2), vendor-neutral, widely recognized for help desk fundamentals (hardware, OS, networking, security).
Google IT Support Professional Certificate is beginner-friendly, with hands-on labs aligned with day-to-day support work.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals (MS-900) covers cloud productivity basics across the stack, and many help desks support.
ITIL® 4 Foundation offers service management language for incidents, requests, change, and problem management.
Build a Fast, Proof-First Portfolio
You do not need years of experience. You need evidence that you can solve real problems.
Spin up a Windows VM, break and fix user profiles, drivers, printers, and updates. Save exact steps and screenshots.
Create 5–8 “mini runbooks” showing problem → steps → resolution → prevention.
Image a laptop, apply updates, install Office, configure MFA, and enroll in an MDM trial where possible.
Write a Resume That Passes Quick Screens
Keep it one page. Use achievement bullets with verbs and specific outcomes.
“Resolved 20+ user tickets weekly using remote tools; first-contact resolution 65%.”
“Rebuilt Windows profiles, restored access, and documented root cause in the KB.”
“Configured MFA and trained new staff on sign-in safety and password resets.”
Add a Projects section with 3–4 items from your lab and certificate labs.
List A+, Google IT Support, MS-900, or ITIL 4 Foundation as completed or “in progress.”
Apply With a Tight Routine
You need volume and quality.
- Pick 3–5 employers where you want to grow (MSPs, healthcare, education, SaaS).
- Set daily quotas: 5 tailored applications per weekday.
- Customize your resume keywords to each posting’s toolset (e.g., Intune, JAMF, ServiceNow, Zendesk).
- Short cover: 120–150 words. Lead with one win (“cut average handle time by X”) that matches the posting.
- Referrals: message employees in similar roles with a brief ask and a bullet list of your relevant skills.
- Track applications, interviews, and follow-ups in a simple sheet.
Major job boards
In LinkedIn Jobs search “Help Desk,” “Service Desk,” “IT Support Specialist,” “Desktop Support,” filter by “Entry level” and “On-site/Remote.”
Indeed uses the same titles + keywords (“Active Directory,” “password reset,” “ticketing,” “Windows 10/11”). Save searches per city.
Go to ZipRecruiter/Glassdoor, duplicating your searches to catch postings that don’t cross-list.
Company career pages (apply direct)
SaaS/product companies have Support/IT roles with growth (e.g., “IT Support,” “IT Service Desk,” “End-User Services”).
MSPs (Managed Service Providers) search high ticket volume, fast learning; search “Managed Services” + your city.
Universities & school districts have stable entry roles; check central IT and individual colleges.
Staffing firms (good for first contract)
TEKsystems, Robert Half Technology, Insight Global, Kforce: ask for “Help Desk Tier 1,” “Desktop Support L1,” “Service Desk Analyst.”
Prepare For The Interview
Expect practical questions and short troubleshooting drills. Use the problem → steps → result structure.
Walk me through fixing Wi-Fi for a remote user.
A user cannot log in after a password change. What do you check first?
Explain the difference between a service request and an incident.
How do you document and close a ticket? What goes into a KB article?
Show me how you’d map a network drive or clear a print queue.
Bring 2–3 “wins” from labs or volunteer work. Tie them to metrics: first-call resolution, handle time, ticket backlog, or CSAT.
Where to Learn Quickly (free or low cost)
Use CompTIA A+ objectives as a learning checklist, even if you delay the exam.
Google IT Support labs have hands-on tasks aligned to entry roles.
Microsoft Learn for MS-900 covers free official content on Microsoft 365 basics.
ITIL 4 Foundation syllabus teaches core terms for incident, problem, change, and service request.
How to Choose Your First Entry-level Tech Support Jobs
Pick roles that teach the stack you want. For Microsoft-heavy environments, MS-900 plus A+ makes sense.
For process-driven teams, ITIL 4 Foundation helps you work cleanly in ticket queues and SLAs.
If you want to move into networks, target tickets touching switches, Wi-Fi, and VPN, then add Network+ later.
Favor teams that document well and track metrics—those habits speed up your growth.
Action Plan (2 weeks)
Days 1–3: Pick a target stack (Microsoft 365 + Windows). Start A+ or Google IT Support coursework and build one fix-it lab per day.
Days 4–6: Write 6 resume bullets and 3 project blurbs. Align wording to common help desk tasks.
Days 7–10: Apply to 20 roles. Book two informational chats. Complete MS-900 learning modules.
Days 11–14: Mock interviews with Wi-Fi, printer, and account-lockout drills. Learn 12 ITIL terms and use them in answers.
Bottom Line
You can land entry-level tech support jobs with a focused plan, visible proof, and 2–3 recognized credentials.
Aim for a U.S. median pay near $60k, adjusting for region and sector.
Build habits around documentation, customer care, and steady learning, and you’ll move up fast.
