What Does an IT Specialist Do?
An IT specialist provides technical support and system maintenance to ensure the smooth operation of an organization’s technology environment. This role involves configuring hardware and software, supporting users, resolving technical issues, and maintaining IT assets. IT specialists work closely with other technology staff to manage network connectivity, install updates, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure that all systems are secure and up to date.
Beyond daily support, IT specialists often take the lead in onboarding new users, managing access rights, and deploying IT solutions across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. They play a crucial role in keeping digital operations efficient and secure by implementing IT best practices, documenting procedures, and assisting with system upgrades or migrations. Their combination of hands-on technical knowledge and problem-solving ability helps maintain business continuity and support a productive workforce.
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IT Specialist Core Responsibilities
- Set up and configure computers, printers, mobile devices, and peripheral equipment
- Provide technical support to users via in-person, phone, or ticketing systems
- Troubleshoot issues related to hardware, software, networks, and connectivity
- Maintain and monitor endpoint security, backups, and antivirus solutions
- Assist with system upgrades, patching, and software deployments
- Create and manage user accounts and permissions in Active Directory or other platforms
- Track IT inventory and maintain equipment lifecycle documentation
- Support remote users through VPNs, cloud tools, or remote access platforms
- Document troubleshooting steps, system configurations, and knowledge base articles
- Collaborate with IT teams on infrastructure improvements and project rollouts
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with operating systems (Windows, macOS), Microsoft 365, and basic networking
- Experience with ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Freshservice, Zendesk)
- Knowledge of security tools, backup platforms, and imaging software
- Familiarity with Active Directory, group policy, and remote access tools (e.g., VPN, RDP)
Soft skills
- Clear, patient communication with technical and non-technical users
- Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
- Organization and attention to detail
- Time management and the ability to prioritize multiple issues
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field
Certifications
- CompTIA A+ or Network+ required or strongly preferred
- Recommended: Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator, Cisco CCNA
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience providing IT support in a business or service desk environment
- Experience with mobile device management (MDM) platforms such as Intune or Jamf
- Familiarity with compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOC 2, etc.) in IT support settings
National Average Salary
IT specialist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an IT Specialist is:
$65,750
Sample Job Description Templates for IT Specialists
Junior IT Specialist
Position Overview
We’re looking for a Junior IT Specialist to join our internal support team and provide frontline technical assistance to employees. This entry-level role is ideal for someone eager to grow their IT career by working directly with users, supporting device setup, and resolving basic system issues. Candidates should be proactive, customer-focused, and ready to learn from experienced IT professionals.
Responsibilities
- Respond to technical support requests via phone, email, or ticketing system
- Assist with hardware setup, including desktops, laptops, and printers
- Troubleshoot common software and connectivity issues
- Support user onboarding, account creation, and device configuration
- Maintain inventory of IT equipment and update asset logs
- Escalate complex issues to senior IT staff or system administrators
- Document support procedures and maintain internal knowledge base
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with Windows and macOS operating systems
- Basic understanding of networking (IP, DNS, Wi-Fi, VPN)
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and endpoint security tools
Soft skills
- Clear, friendly communication with end users
- Willingness to ask questions and follow procedures
- Strong organizational skills and follow-through
- Ability to prioritize multiple support requests
Education
- Associate’s degree or equivalent coursework in IT or computer science
Certifications
- Recommended: CompTIA A+, IT Fundamentals+, or Google IT Support Certificate
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or 1–2 years of help desk or technical support experience
- Experience with ticketing systems like Zendesk or Freshservice
Senior IT Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior IT Specialist to lead advanced support efforts, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and serve as a key resource within the IT support team. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who can balance technical proficiency with mentorship and cross-departmental collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Lead escalation support for complex hardware, software, and network issues
- Manage systems configurations and assist with upgrades or migrations
- Mentor junior specialists and review ticket resolution quality
- Administer accounts, permissions, and group policies in Active Directory
- Coordinate with vendors for hardware, licensing, or service issues
- Implement endpoint security and backup best practices
- Maintain technical documentation and ensure system compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficient with Windows Server, Microsoft 365 admin, and endpoint management
- Knowledge of networking (LAN/WAN, VPN, firewalls) and common protocols
- Familiarity with scripting or automation tools (e.g., PowerShell)
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and mentoring ability
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical audiences
- Independent troubleshooting and escalation management
- High attention to detail and process improvement
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer engineering, or related field
Certifications
- Required: CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator
- Recommended: Cisco CCNA, ITIL Foundation
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in IT support or systems administration
- Previous leadership of help desk teams or escalation workflows
Technical IT Specialist
Position Overview
We’re hiring a Technical IT Specialist to support and maintain the infrastructure, applications, and tools that power our technology operations. This role involves advanced troubleshooting, system configurations, and technical execution across desktops, servers, and networks. The ideal candidate has strong technical knowledge and thrives in complex, fast-moving environments.
Responsibilities
- Deploy and maintain enterprise systems, including servers, networks, and cloud platforms
- Troubleshoot technical issues involving integrations, performance, or infrastructure gaps
- Collaborate with IT teams on patching, monitoring, and automation tasks
- Support backup systems, endpoint protection, and access management
- Participate in infrastructure upgrades and IT project rollouts
- Assist with network configurations and documentation of system architecture
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of system administration (Windows Server, Active Directory)
- Experience with networking equipment, cloud services, and remote management tools
- Familiarity with scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) and system logging
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and technical troubleshooting
- Ability to manage complex tasks independently
- Excellent documentation and time management
- Strong collaboration across IT and security teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering
Certifications
- Required: Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator or CompTIA Server+
- Recommended: Cisco CCNA, AWS Cloud Practitioner, or Linux+
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years supporting enterprise environments or hybrid infrastructure
- Experience in automation or systems integration projects
Remote IT Specialist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Remote IT Specialist to provide technical support and systems maintenance for a distributed workforce. This fully remote role focuses on resolving end-user issues, maintaining endpoint security, and ensuring remote connectivity. Candidates should be self-motivated, organized, and skilled at managing tech support without on-site access.
Responsibilities
- Deliver remote technical support using screen-sharing, chat, and ticketing tools
- Troubleshoot software, VPN, and remote access issues for remote employees
- Manage device imaging, configuration, and shipping coordination
- Administer user accounts, security groups, and multifactor authentication
- Monitor endpoint health and enforce patching policies
- Document recurring issues and contribute to virtual knowledge bases
- Collaborate with infrastructure or security teams to support remote systems
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with remote support platforms (e.g., TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Intune)
- Familiarity with VPNs, remote desktop, and endpoint monitoring tools
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and collaboration platforms (Teams, Slack)
Soft skills
- Clear and empathetic communication
- High accountability and follow-up in virtual environments
- Self-organization and time management
- Creative problem-solving without physical access to devices
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in IT or computer-related field
Certifications
- Recommended: CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Certificate
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years supporting remote or hybrid workforces
- Experience working in a fully distributed IT support team