IT support / helpdesk: Salary and Earnings 2026 at a Glance

IT support and helpdesk staff are the first point of contact for users with technical problems. They receive fault reports, analyse and resolve technical problems, set up workstations and provide support in the use of hardware and software. Their work is crucial for the productivity of all employees in the company. Requirements include knowledge of operating systems such as Windows and macOS, Office applications, network basics and common IT systems. Experience with ticket systems such as Jira Service Management, ServiceNow or OTRS is just as important as strong communication skills and patience in dealing with users with different technical backgrounds. Certifications such as ITIL Foundation or CompTIA A+ improve career opportunities and the salaries for IT support staff offer a solid entry into the IT industry. With increasing experience, specialisation in certain systems and advancement from first-level to second- or third-level support, salaries increase significantly. Large corporations and IT service providers with extensive support structures offer particularly attractive salaries, with career opportunities leading from first-level support to second-level specialist to team leader or specialised roles such as system administrator, network administrator or IT project manager. IT support is a proven entry point for a varied career in the IT industry.