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I can't imagine much. When I contacted Microsoft regarding problems installing windows (suspected virus) the only people I was able to get in touch with were those in India. Unfortunately, that is your competition, and they work for well below minimum wage.
I can't imagine much. When I contacted Microsoft regarding problems installing windows (suspected virus) the only people I was able to get in touch with were those in India. Unfortunately, that is your competition, and they work for well below minimum wage.
When I really think about the wages after paying taxes it probably equal Walmart wages. I was just considering it because I like some aspects of IT, troubleshooting and problem solving.
When I really think about the wages after paying taxes it probably equal Walmart wages. I was just considering it because I like some aspects of IT, troubleshooting and problem solving.
Mostly it's going to be break/fix stuff on software and hardware and user training. You'd need a good knowledge of commercial off the shelf software, the hardware the client uses, as well as any custom software you are supporting. Like myrc60 said, most of these jobs pay $10-$12 hour on contract with no benefits.
Also, these "entry level" jobs don't lead to more advanced jobs in IT, at least not like the used to. They tend to be thought of more as customer service, like a fast food worker, than an IT staff member.
Total crap. We have had 2 of our tier 1 group (the "phone" people) and 1 of our tier 2 people (the ones who go out and fix the stuff) both get moved into other IT groups at our job... promotions.
If the employee can prove themselves, absolutely it's a stepping stone!
Helpdesk is where most IT folks start. If its a true helpdesk it won't be outsourced/off shored. The India dudes that answer the phones if you call Microsoft aren't helpdesk. Those are call centers, BIG difference. Just knock out certs and maybe start a BS in an IT field. Everyone has to start somewhere.
I can't imagine much. When I contacted Microsoft regarding problems installing windows (suspected virus) the only people I was able to get in touch with were those in India. Unfortunately, that is your competition, and they work for well below minimum wage.
Desktop support is a step up from the Helpdesk in many areas. I have made as high as 75k as a cleared desktop support person (Read DC Area). Desktop Engineering is the next step up. Windows 7 MCITP and SCCM Certs can get you there or a combination of experience can do the same.
I have made $50 an hour as a cleared desktop support engineer and there is still more headroom. I have seen contracts go as high as ~$90 per hour for uncleared desktop engineers.
With Desktop Engineering, it is very easy to make a mistake and mistakes are high visibility hence the higher pay. However at $50 per hour, I was the Senior Desktop Engineers gopher. I did essentially nothing and he wanted me to do nothing so he could take all the credit.
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