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Entry Level Help Desk Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Help Desk information

See Merced, CA salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do entry level help desk jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level help desk in Merced, CA is $24.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.29 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Help Desk professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Help Desk professional, you need a basic understanding of computer systems, troubleshooting methods, and customer service principles, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with ticketing systems, remote desktop tools, and common operating systems like Windows and macOS is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help you effectively assist users and manage technical issues under pressure. These skills and qualities ensure timely and accurate support, contributing to overall user satisfaction and smooth IT operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level help desk professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level help desk professionals often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of support tickets, troubleshooting unfamiliar technical issues, and communicating solutions clearly to non-technical users. To overcome these, it's important to develop strong time management skills, continuously expand technical knowledge through training and hands-on experience, and practice effective communication. Collaborating with more experienced team members and actively seeking feedback can also help build both confidence and competence in the role.

What are entry level help desk jobs?

Entry level help desk jobs are positions where individuals provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to users experiencing issues with computer systems, software, or hardware. These roles often involve answering calls, responding to emails or tickets, and guiding users through solutions for common IT problems. Entry level help desk technicians typically handle basic issues, escalate more complex problems to higher-level support, and may assist with setting up new equipment or accounts. This position is a common starting point for a career in IT, offering opportunities to develop technical and customer service skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Help Desk vs Technical Support Specialist?

AspectEntry Level Help DeskTechnical Support Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications like CompTIA A+ beneficialSimilar; often requires CompTIA A+ or Network+ certifications
Work EnvironmentHelp desk or call center, primarily remote or on-siteTechnical support teams, on-site or remote, often more specialized
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, MSPs, tech companiesIT service providers, tech companies, corporate IT teams
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Help Desk and Technical Support Specialist roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. The main difference lies in the scope: Help Desk roles typically handle general user issues, while Technical Support Specialists often deal with more technical or specialized problems. Both positions serve as entry points into IT support careers, with overlapping skills and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Help Desk jobs in Merced, CA? The most popular types of Help Desk jobs in Merced, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Help Desk jobs in Merced, CA? For Entry Level Help Desk jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Help Desk jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Help Desk jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Entry Level Help Desk jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Entry Level Help Desk job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Help Desk job openings in Merced, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,852 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Information Technology (IT) Service Desk Analyst I-II

Information Technology (IT) Service Desk Analyst I-II

Turlock Irrigation District

Turlock, CA

$5.28K - $7.44K/mo

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description JOB SUMMARY Install and maintain personal computers and related hardware and software. Perform preventive maintenance on personal computer hardware and related equipment. Provide a wide range of support for District computer users.

Maintain records of computer support and inventory activities. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I - This is the entry-level classification of the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst series. This classification is distinguished from the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst II position by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties such as routine help desk calls.

This classification acts as the first level of technical support in answering questions from the user community involving routine problems associated with standard District software. This classification receives immediate supervision from higher-level supervisory staff. Since this classification is typically used as a training classification, employees may have only limited or no directly - related work experience.

Information Technology Service Desk Analyst II - This is the full journey level classification within the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst series. Employees within this classification are expected to be able to handle a full range of duties including more complex technical support tasks. Typically, this will include Information Technology Service Desk questions of increasing complexity.

This position may make decisions regarding the next level of required support. Employees at this level will receive direction from the higher-level Management Information Systems staff and may be called upon to provide technical direction to lower level personnel in this classification. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Adequate performance at this level requires the knowledge of departmental and computer related procedures and the ability to choose amongst a number of alternatives in routine problem solving situations. Positions in this classification are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I level. Examples of Duties DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Maintain accurate records to support a detailed inventory of hardware and software.

Assist personal computer users with hardware and software questions, problems, and training. Implement, upgrade and install personal computer hardware and software. Diagnose and resolve hardware and software problems.

Perform staff and research development, which may include training and seminars. Respond to emergency situations and be on-call as assigned. Perform other related duties as required or assigned by supervisor.

Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills and abilities would be: Education Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I, II Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in computer programming, personal computer hardware or related field. Experience Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I One year of experience as a technical support or service desk support person.

Information Technology Service Desk Analyst II Two years of increasingly responsible experience performing duties equivalent to the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I for the Turlock Irrigation District. Skills and Abilities Interpersonal and Communication Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I - Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. In addition to the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I requirements: Information Technology Service Desk Analyst II - Must have ability to quickly identify and repair operational problems, give directions to others in problem solving situations and work independently in the absence of supervision.

Technical and Analytical Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I - Knowledge of: basic mathematics; personal computer hardware and software; nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, and instruments used in the personal computer field; and safe and proper methods of shipping and transporting sensitive electronic equipment. Ability to: read and understand personal computer hardware and software technical manuals; and install or relocate equipment. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Operating Systems and Office Applications.

In addition to the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I requirements: Information Technology Service Desk Analyst II - Must have detailed knowledge of various Microsoft and Novell operating systems in use by the District; standard office applications and other applications installed at the District and problem analysis and solutions. Administration and Operations Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I - Ability to apply principles of data processing to a wide variety of problems. Must also be able to lift heavy equipment (up to 50 pounds).

In addition to the Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I requirements: Information Technology Service Desk Analyst II - Must have ability to work independently in the absence of supervision. Supplemental Information Necessary Special Requirements Information Technology Service Desk Analyst I, II Possession of an appropriate California driver's license. While the minimum passing score is 70%, candidates who score highest may be considered for advancement in the recruitment process.

SELECTION CRITERIA Item Percentage Required to Obtain a Passing Score Written Examination 70% (Section Weight - 30%) Oral Interview 70% (Section Weight - 70%) Medical Examination This position may require a medical examination to determine medical fitness for performing the duties assigned to the position or classification. Turlock Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, sex, physical and mental disability, medical condition (cancer related), age (over 40), and marital status.

Assistance is available in filling out job applications for disabled individuals. Applicants will be subject to drug testing in accordance with FHWA regulations, when the position requires a Commercial Driver's License. Turlock Irrigation District's bargaining unit positions are a part of an agency shop.

Turlock Irrigation District provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with a disability in accordance with federal and state law. SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Human Resources Department, via our web site at www.tid.org. Internal applicants may apply beginning Tuesday, May 5 2026 until Monday, May 18, 2026 at 4:30 p.m

SECOND POSTING - Internal and external applicants may apply beginning Wednesday, May 20, 2026 until Friday, June 5, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Internal Candidate Note: Please refer to TIDEA MOU Section 20.2 and/or MSPC Section 26.13 for additional wage information. Online Written Examination Date(s): To Be Determined after posting closes Human Resources Department (209) 883-8253