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Hardware Software Specialist Jobs in Rochester, MN

Hardware Software Specialist information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$29.5K

$59.2K

$96.1K

How much do hardware software specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware software specialist in Rochester, MN is $59,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,300.00 and $65,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware software specialist do?

A Hardware Software Specialist is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting both hardware and software systems within an organization. They ensure that computer equipment and related devices are functioning optimally and that all software applications are up to date and compatible with existing hardware. Their duties often include diagnosing technical issues, providing user support, performing upgrades, and collaborating with IT teams to implement new technologies. They play a crucial role in ensuring smooth IT operations and minimizing downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware software specialist?

To excel as a Hardware Software Specialist, you need a solid background in computer science or information technology, with expertise in both hardware troubleshooting and software configuration. Familiarity with operating systems, diagnostic tools, and certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you address technical issues and support users. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring seamless integration and maintenance of hardware and software systems within an organization.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware software specialists when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Hardware Software Specialists often encounter challenges in ensuring compatibility between new technologies and legacy systems. This may involve troubleshooting drivers, managing firmware updates, and verifying that software applications function correctly with upgraded hardware components. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as IT support and network engineers, is crucial to overcome these obstacles. Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and thorough testing are key strategies to ensure seamless integration and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Hardware Software Specialist vs Network Technician?

AspectHardware Software SpecialistNetwork Technician
CredentialsCompTIA A+, Network+, vendor-specific certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, vendor certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, data centers, client sitesData centers, client sites, network operation centers
Industry UsageIT support, hardware/software troubleshootingNetwork setup, maintenance, troubleshooting
Common Search IntentHardware/software troubleshooting, supportNetwork issues, configuration, security

The Hardware Software Specialist focuses on diagnosing and repairing hardware and software issues across various devices and systems, often working in support or technical roles. In contrast, a Network Technician specializes in setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructure. While both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, their core responsibilities differ—hardware/software specialists handle devices and applications, whereas network technicians focus on network connectivity and security.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Software Specialist jobs in Rochester, MN?

For Hardware Software Specialist jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hardware Software Specialist jobs in Rochester, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Hardware Software Specialist jobs in Rochester, MN are:

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Hardware Software Specialist jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Hardware Software Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Hardware Software Specialist job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,244 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Information Technology Specialist (APPSW)

US Department of the Treasury

Rochester, MN • On-site

$106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • IT - Data and Platform EngineeringData & Platform Engineering)

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE 12 LEVEL UP (GS or Equivalent) Applicants must have Information Technology related experience demonstrating each of the following nine competencies: 1) Attention to Detail, 2) Customer Service, 3) Decision Making, 4) Information Management, 5) Interpersonal Skills, 6) Oral Communication, 7) Problem Solving, 8) Team Work and 9) Technical Competence.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-13 LEVEL: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes experience that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance. Specialized experience for this position includes:

  • Independently applying IT principles, concepts, methods, and practices to plan, analyze, implement, maintain, troubleshoot, or enhance IT systems, services, hardware, software, applications, interfaces, scripts, or related technology environments.
  • Independently performing computer project, operational, or application-related assignments involving IT requirements and techniques, including resolving technical issues; validating system, application, or code testing and configuration; preparing technical documentation; and applying federal cybersecurity, privacy, or regulatory requirements.
  • Working directly with customers, stakeholders, users, and technical teams to define business or technical requirements, advising on feasible IT approaches, and implementing secure, reliable, scalable IT solutions, including application enhancements where applicable.
  • Assessing system, service, or application performance, availability, reliability, usability, and operational effectiveness; identifying risks, recurring issues, or defects; and recommending or implementing corrective actions consistent with established policies and procedures.
  • Analyzing multiple technical alternatives and advising management or IT specialists on the selection, configuration, implementation, or improvement of IT solutions, including application components where applicable, to support mission and operational requirements.
  • At this level, your experience must be sufficient to demonstrate leading teams that design and develop agency-wide applications which include review and approval of technical requirements for projects; developing project plans; providing guidance to team members and serving as primary liaison between customers and vendors and IT management throughout the development process.
  • Translating systems requirements into applications prototypes, planning and designing systems architecture, writing, debugging, and maintaining code, determining and designing applications architecture, determining output media/formats and designing user interfaces.
  • Working with customers to test applications, assuring software and systems quality and functionality, integrating hardware and software components, writing and maintaining program documentation, evaluating new applications software technologies; and ensuring the rigorous application of security/ information assurance policies, principles, and practices to the delivery of application software services.


AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • PERFORMANCE RATING: Current federal employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.
  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.


For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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