What help desk pays and what it involves
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $61,860 for computer user support specialists in May 2025, and a quarter of them earned less than $49,000. Computer network support specialists had a median of $76,220, and network and computer systems administrators $99,130. Medians cover every experience level, so they are not starting salaries.
The BLS describes the work as diagnosing users’ computer problems, documenting them, guiding users through the fix, and setting up or repairing equipment. Depending on the employer, tier 1 can also include password resets and account work in Active Directory and Microsoft 365, systems that junior sysadmin ads may name.
Certifications that cover the skills
- CompTIA Network+ (exam N10-009): CompTIA lists technical support specialist, network operations specialist, and system administrator as its work roles.
- CompTIA Security+: CompTIA lists security analyst, security engineer, and systems administrator. A new version (V8) is expected around November 17, 2026, so check which exam is current before you book.
- Cisco CCNA (exam 200-301): networking, for roles that lean toward network administration.
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): a beginner-level cloud certification. Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) is retired.
- CompTIA A+: aimed at help desk roles and less specific to sysadmin work.
The BLS notes that employers may require certification in the products an administrator uses. Read each ad to see whether a certification is a must-have or a plus.
A step-by-step path
There is no standard timeline. It depends on your employer and the roles you target.
- In tier 1, ask for the Active Directory and Microsoft 365 admin tasks your team can hand over.
- Move to tier 2 or desktop support if your employer has it: imaging, device management such as Intune, and escalations. Study for a certification that the ads you want list.
- Apply for junior sysadmin and NOC roles. Lead with the systems you have administered, not the tickets you closed.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer Support Specialists and Network and Computer Systems Administrators (pay data May 2025). National percentiles from BLS OEWS, May 2025.
- CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, checked November 2026.
Frequently asked
Which certifications fit a move into sysadmin work?
CompTIA lists system administrator among the work roles for Network+ and systems administrator among the roles for Security+. Cisco's CCNA (exam 200-301) covers networking, and Microsoft's Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is a beginner-level cloud certification. Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900) is retired. No certification guarantees a job, so check which ones the ads you want list as must-haves.
Is tier 2 a required step?
No. The BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for network and computer systems administrators, says some employers accept a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree, and does not list prior work experience as typical. Tier 2 or desktop support can give you hands-on work with the systems that sysadmin ads name, such as Active Directory and Microsoft 365.