As the world continues full-speed ahead into the future, fueled by digital, maybe you’ve started to consider getting your foot in the door of the technology industry?
Out of the many career paths you can take, an IT specialist career is great for those just getting started because it doesn’t necessarily require a four-year degree to land your first job. Many people enter the field by taking beginner courses, practicing technical skills at home, or working in support roles where they gain hands-on experience.
And while a career as an IT specialist is excellent for someone who wants a fast-paced job with a nice paycheck, how much does an IT specialist make exactly?
This guide will help you understand standard salary ranges, what determines compensation, and how entry-level workers can position themselves for long-term success in the information technology industry.
What Does an IT Specialist Do?
Information technology (IT) specialists support computer systems, networks, and users across many different industries, such as retail, education, and government.
Their jobs, duties, and salaries vary depending on the role and employer, but daily tasks usually involve setting up hardware, maintaining systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting software applications.
Some IT specialists have more in-depth training and years of experience, so they work with cybersecurity, data storage, or cloud computing systems, which can sometimes mean a bigger paycheck, too.
What Is the Average IT Specialist Salary?
The answer is, it depends. There are so many factors that can affect an IT specialist’s salary, like location and specialization within the industry. An entry-level IT professional’s salary may focus on help desk support, while advanced roles might involve systems administration or IT project management.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median information technology salary was around $61,550 or $29.59 an hour in 2024. However, salaries increase when you have specialized skills or certifications, such as database architect or analyst skills.
What Factors Can Affect an IT Professional’s Salary?
Several factors can influence an IT professional’s salary potential. Some of the most important include the following.
Education Level
While some roles may accept a high school diploma and hands-on training, others may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. More education can lead to higher-paying roles.
Experience
As with most industries, experience plays a major role in determining pay. The more years you’ve spent in the field, the more likely you are to qualify for advanced roles with higher salaries.
Certifications
Earning industry-recognized certifications (such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft credentials) can increase your marketability and help you negotiate higher pay.
Stratford Career Institute does not offer certifications, but our IT Specialist course is designed to help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam, an industry standard that is often used to start an IT career.
Location
Average salaries tend to be higher in areas with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco, New York City, or Washington, D.C., than in rural or lower-cost regions.
Industry
IT professionals work in government, finance, healthcare, retail, education, and more. Salaries may be higher in industries where security and reliability are critical.
What’s the Range for an IT Specialist Salary?
So, on average, how much does an IT specialist make? The answer depends on your experience level, job type, and location, but according to the BLS, working your way up as an analyst can help you make an average salary of up to $103,970. Similarly, Indeed shows over $100,000 as the high end of an IT specialist’s salary.
While these figures offer a general idea, they are only averages, meaning you can make less or more than that if you consider the factors above.
Is Information Technology a Good Long-Term Career?
The IT field continues to grow and is expected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, since more companies rely on digital infrastructure to run their operations.
How Can You Get Started in IT?
The good news is that many IT careers offer clear advancement paths. You might begin as a help desk technician, progress to a systems administrator, and eventually become an IT manager or consultant. With each step, your pay typically increases as well.
Many professionals in the field also appreciate the ability to specialize. Whether you are interested in cybersecurity, network management, or cloud computing, the wide range of roles means you can focus on the areas that most interest you.
Take Our Course If You Want to Learn More About What It Takes
Introductory education, like the IT Specialist course we offer at Stratford Career Institute, can be a great way to explore the field and decide if it’s right for you.
While these courses do not lead to certification or licensure, they can help you become familiar with key terms, basic troubleshooting, and essential networking and computer systems concepts.
Whether you’re looking for a stable career or aiming to build specialized skills, starting a career in information technology can offer both entry-level access and long-term potential.
Starting with an introductory course can help you explore your interests, understand your options, and map out your career path. Contact us today to take the first step!
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