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Help Desk Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Desktop Support Technician - Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Experience working with a help desk ticketing system * Experience with NTS Network * Experience with Active Directory or InTune Required Education/Certifications * High School diploma. * Associate or ...

Security Analyst III

Columbia, SC · On-site

$94K - $118K/yr

Responds to escalations from IT Help Desk concerning any issues with system, such as access ... OR an associate degree and 10+ of combined document experience in progressively sophisticated roles ...

Showing results 41-60

Help Desk Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$11

$17

$27

How much do help desk associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for help desk associate in Columbia, SC is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a help desk associate do?

A Help Desk Associate provides technical support and assistance to users experiencing issues with computer systems, software, or hardware. They troubleshoot problems, answer questions, and resolve issues either remotely, over the phone, or in person. Help Desk Associates document user interactions, escalate complex problems when necessary, and ensure that users’ technical concerns are addressed in a timely manner. Their goal is to maintain productivity by quickly resolving technical obstacles.

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

AspectHelp Desk AssociateTechnical Support Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like CompTIA A+Similar certifications; often more technical certifications
Work EnvironmentHelp desk, call centers, on-site supportRemote or on-site technical support, troubleshooting
Employer & IndustryIT service providers, corporate IT departmentsIT companies, software vendors, tech support firms
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for entry-level IT rolesMore technical, troubleshooting focus

The Help Desk Associate primarily handles basic user support and troubleshooting, often in a customer service setting. The Technical Support Specialist typically provides more advanced technical assistance, resolving complex issues. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but the Specialist role involves deeper technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a help desk associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Help Desk Associate, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, troubleshooting techniques, and customer service principles, often supported by a relevant associate degree or certifications like CompTIA A+. Familiarity with ticketing systems (such as ServiceNow or Zendesk), remote desktop tools, and basic networking concepts is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help you effectively assist users and de-escalate stressful situations. These competencies are crucial for quickly resolving technical issues, maintaining user satisfaction, and supporting business continuity.
What are the most commonly searched types of Help Desk jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Help Desk jobs in Columbia, SC are:
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What job categories do people searching Help Desk Associate jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Help Desk Associate jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Help Desk Associate jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Help Desk Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Help Desk Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,457 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Helpdesk Specialist I

Trace Systems

Shaw Air Force Base, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Overview
Job Title: Helpdesk Specialist I
Location: Shaw AFB, SC
This position is pending contract award.
Job Responsibilities
Trace Systems is actively recruiting for a Helpdesk Specialist I to support the AFCENT Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) contract in Shaw AFB, SC
The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide Tier 1 technical support (performing initial trouble ticket/call prioritization, diagnosis, analysis and troubleshooting and resolution of basic client hardware and software issues);
  • Provide Tier 1 hands-on support to users on the AOC/CAOC floor;
  • Provide solutions over the phone or remotely when feasible, and coordinate with and escalate tickets to back shops/other functional areas for support and resolution when required;
  • Follow-up with end-users on status, and verify problem resolution prior to trouble ticket closure;
  • Create and manage organizational and user accounts and assign, modify, and delete passwords and user privileges IAW AFCENT guidance;
  • Manage SIPR PKI program;
  • Coordinate on Firewall Exemption Requests (FERs)/Bluecoat Exemption Requests (BERs);
  • Maintain the CFP status display systems to remotely monitor and track status of all systems, networks and connections, including internal and external links and circuits;
  • Serve as focal point for ASIs and time change order/item (e.g., NOTAMs, TCTOs,
  • TCNO, MTO, CCO and CTO) management, processing, tracking and status reportingacross all network enclaves;
  • Maintain status tracking applications/tools; create, update, and coordinate status reports and presentation slides (i.e., COMSTATs, SITREP, etc.); and brief AFCENT leadership to provide situational awareness on outages/failures;
  • Add, move and change client hardware and software to meet end user data, voice, mobile, and video needs;
  • Provide system support to clients operating on the network/domain;
  • Configure client level software, modify software configuration, and perform basicconfiguration management functions;
  • Ensure notification of unit Equipment Custodian of any hardware relocation and equipment problems;Install equipment IAW AFCENT and SPIN-C directives;
  • Assist with installing, testing, and accepting new systems according to the terms of the purchase contract and instructions;
  • Periodically review the organization's needs for computer resources and validate computer equipment requirements;
  • Promote user awareness concerning unauthorized or illegal use of computer hardware and software;
  • Implement client workstation software patches, security fixes, and service releases according to local instructions;
  • Other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Active, in-scope US Government issued Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
  • Due to the nature of the work and contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.
  • DoDM 8140 Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level 2 or higher.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
  • Responding to help desk tickets and resolving technical issues for hardware, software, and network systems.
  • Providing support for operating systems(Windows, macOS, Linux) and common software applications.
  • Diagnosing and resolving connectivity problems, including LAN/WAN and VPN issues.
  • Assisting end-users with systme logins, password resets and account management.

Education
  • Associates degree in Computer Science or related field; or 2+ years' IT Help Desk Support experience, and 2+ years' of experience in Computer/IT hardware support (experience may be concurrent).

Trace Systems
Trace Systems Inc. was founded to support and defend our nation's security interests at home and abroad-- whenever and wherever. We provide enterprise IT, engineering, full life-cycle communications, cybersecurity, cloud and virtualization services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
To Apply: We invite you to put your talents to work by joining a growing team of dynamic professionals here at Trace Systems! Be part of a culture at our leading-edge company where you can achieve great things while fostering a satisfying and rewarding career progression. To learn more about our current openings, text 'tracejobs' to 97211 or apply directly through our website at: www.tracesystems.com. #jointracesystems
Trace Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.