IT technician: Salary and Earnings 2026 at a Glance

IT technicians are indispensable specialists who ensure the smooth operation of a company's IT infrastructure. They install, configure and maintain hardware and software systems, rectify technical faults and support users with IT problems. From setting up workstations and network administration to supporting servers and printers - IT technicians ensure the daily functionality of the entire IT landscape. Entry into the profession is often via training as an IT specialist for system integration or a comparable technical qualification. Important skills include knowledge of operating systems such as Windows and Linux, network technologies, IT security and virtualisation solutions. Communication skills are also crucial, as IT technicians regularly have to explain technical issues to users in an understandable way. Salaries for IT technicians vary depending on experience, specialisation and region. Career starters receive a solid starting salary, which can increase significantly with growing expertise and additional certifications such as CompTIA, Microsoft or Cisco. Specialists with experience in cloud infrastructures and IT security are particularly in demand, with typical career paths ranging from first-level support to system administrator to IT infrastructure manager or team leader. IT technicians can significantly improve their career opportunities and salary through targeted further training in areas such as cloud administration, DevOps or cybersecurity.