Following is a list of high-paying, hands-on IT roles in the US that are accessible to high school graduates. Granted, you would require some form of training; however, these are also excellent options to springboard to advanced IT roles.
Why Choose a Hands-on IT Career?
Choosing a hands-on IT career offers numerous benefits, especially for those who prefer active learning and practical application over working in a cubicle.
Furthermore, hands-on IT jobs are often in high demand, offering competitive salaries and excellent job security as businesses increasingly rely on robust technological infrastructure. They also provide clear pathways for career growth, as the practical experience you gain serves as a strong foundation for advancing into more specialized or leadership IT roles.
Many hands-on positions also foster teamwork and collaboration, essential soft skills valued by employers, and can even offer flexibility in work arrangements.
5 Hands-On IT Roles that Pay Well
1. IT Support Specialists (Computer Support Specialist)
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This is one of the most popular roles in this industry as it provides a great entry point into information technology.
Computer support specialists mostly assist users and organizations by troubleshooting computer issues and maintaining IT equipment. They may respond to help requests via phone, email, or in person, resolving problems with hardware, software, networks, and login/access issues.
This role requires strong customer service and problem-solving skills to guide even non-technical users through solutions.
- Median Salary: $61,340 per year
- Education: High school graduation
- Training: Computer Support Technician Training
- Certifications: CompTIA A+
- Job Outlook: 6% growth in employment from 2023 to 2033
- Growth Opportunity: With experience, support specialists can advance to systems administration, network administration, or cybersecurity roles..
Learn how to become a desktop support specialist.
2. Field Service Technician (IT Field Support)
Although the duties of a field service tech and a desktop support tech are the same, the key difference is that the former travels to client sites or offices to install, repair, and maintain computer equipment, networks, and other tech devices.
As a field service technician, you’d handle on-site troubleshooting, setting up hardware, running cables, replacing parts, and ensuring systems are operational for end-users.
For this role, strong communication is key, as field techs often walk customers through fixes and explain technical issues in simple terms.
- Median Salary: $61,340 per year
- Education: High school graduation
- Training: Computer Support Technician Training
- Certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ (employer specific)
- Job Outlook: 6% growth in employment from 2023 to 2033
- Growth Opportunity: With experience, IT field specialists can advance to IT management, IT field engineer, or networking positions.
3. Computer Network Support Specialist (Network Technician)
Network support specialists focus on the infrastructure side of IT, keeping an organization’s entire computer network running smoothly.
Duties of a network support specialist include installing, monitoring, and troubleshooting networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, and other data communications systems.
In addition to that, they might test network hardware, apply upgrades or patches, and diagnose connectivity problems. Network support techs often work under or alongside network administrators/engineers to ensure reliable and secure network operations.
- Median Salary: $96,800 per year
- Education: High school graduation
- Training: Computer and Network Technician Training
- Certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA Security+, Network-specific certifications (Cisco, AWS)
- Job Outlook: 6% growth in employment from 2023 to 2033
- Growth Opportunity: Network Engineer
Learn how to become a computer network administrator.
4. Cybersecurity Specialist (Entry-Level Cybersecurity Technician)
Given the rising threat of cyberattacks and concerns about IT security, the increasing demand for cybersecurity roles comes as no surprise. Entry-level cybersecurity roles focus on protecting an organization’s networks and data from cyber threats.
As a cybersecurity professional, you’d monitor systems for vulnerabilities or attacks, respond to security incidents, and implement measures like firewalls, antivirus, and access controls.
Cybersecurity technicians work at the front lines to identify and triage potential breaches, working under senior security analysts or engineers.
- Median Salary: $105,080 per year
- Education: High school graduation
- Training: Computer and Network Technician Training with Cybersecurity.
- Certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA Security+
- Job Outlook: 33% growth in employment from 2023 to 2033
- Growth Opportunity: Depending on your experience and career path, you can pursue roles like Information Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Engineer, and Security Architect.
Learn more about the importance of entry-level cybersecurity jobs.
5. Cloud Support Specialist
Cloud support specialists work under the supervision of cloud engineers and are responsible for designing, implementing, and ensuring the security of cloud infrastructure.
Depending on the workplace and employer, you’d be required to troubleshoot internet and security issues as well.
- Median Salary: $120,080 per year
- Education: High school graduation
- Training: Cloud Computing Training
- Certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA Security+
- Growth Opportunity: With experience, you can become a cloud engineer.
Learn how to become a cloud technician.
Final Words
The world of computer information technology is vast and constantly evolving, but it’s not all about coding in a cubicle. The mentioned high-paying, hands-on IT roles offer dynamic and engaging work for those who thrive on practical application and problem-solving.
Ready to build your active career in IT? Explore CCI Training Center’s IT training programs.
