Common Questions

How much do entry-level IT jobs make?

The salary for the jobs I mentioned can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and industry. However, here are some average salary ranges for those job roles in the United States based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale:

1. Help Desk Technician: $32,000 - $62,000 per year.

2. Network Support Technician: $38,000 - $80,000 per year.

3. IT Support Specialist: $39,000 - $82,000 per year.

4. Desktop Support Technician: $35,000 - $69,000 per year.

5. Entry-level IT positions: The average salary range for entry-level IT positions varies based on the specific role and industry, but typically ranges from $30,000 - $60,000 per year.

It's important to note that these salary ranges are averages and may vary based on individual factors. Additionally, as IT professionals gain more experience and skills, they may be able to advance to higher-level positions with higher salaries.

What is the next step for a IT student that just obtained their TestOut IT Fundamentals and Network Fundamentals Certification be? What job can they get? What career should they pursue?

Congratulations to the IT student on obtaining their TestOut IT Fundamentals and Network Fundamentals certifications! These certifications demonstrate a solid foundation in IT concepts and skills and can open up various job opportunities in the IT industry.

Here are some potential job roles that an IT student could pursue after obtaining these certifications:

1. Help Desk Technician: Help desk technicians provide technical support and assistance to end-users who are experiencing computer hardware or software issues. They troubleshoot problems, answer questions, and provide guidance to users.

2. Network Support Technician: Network support technicians provide technical support and assistance for computer network systems. They troubleshoot problems, install and configure network hardware and software, and perform regular maintenance tasks.

3. IT Support Specialist: IT support specialists provide technical support and assistance to end-users for a wide range of computer hardware and software issues. They diagnose and resolve problems, install and configure hardware and software, and provide training and guidance to users.

4. Desktop Support Technician: Desktop support technicians provide technical support and assistance for desktop and laptop computer systems. They troubleshoot problems, install and configure software and hardware, and perform regular maintenance tasks.

5. Entry-level IT positions: Entry-level IT positions such as IT assistant, junior system administrator, or junior network administrator can also be a good fit for IT students who have just obtained their certifications.

As for career paths, there are various options available to IT students depending on their interests and skills. Some potential career paths in the IT industry include:

1. Network Engineer: Network engineers design, implement, and maintain computer network systems. They develop network architecture, configure network hardware and software, and monitor network performance.

2. Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from cyber threats such as hacking, viruses, and malware. They monitor systems for security breaches, investigate security incidents, and implement security measures to prevent future attacks.

3. Software Developer: Software developers design and develop software applications for various industries. They analyze user needs, design software architecture, write code, and test and debug software.

4. Database Administrator: Database administrators manage and maintain computer databases to ensure their efficiency, security, and reliability. They configure database settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues.

5. IT Manager: IT managers oversee the IT department of an organization. They plan and coordinate IT projects, manage staff, and ensure that IT operations run smoothly.

Ultimately, the career path an IT student pursues will depend on their skills, interests, and career goals. Obtaining the TestOut IT Fundamentals and Network Fundamentals certifications is a great starting point for a career in IT, and continued learning and development can lead to exciting and rewarding opportunities in the field.