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Help Desk Associate Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Customer service desk At Wegmans, we've always believed we can achieve our goals only if we first ... Paid time off (PTO) to help you balance your personal and work life * Higher premium pay rates for ...

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Qualifications: * An associate degree in electrical engineering, an Industrial Maintenance ...

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Qualifications: * An associate degree in electrical engineering, an Industrial Maintenance ...

Electrical Technician

Milesburg, PA · On-site

$36 - $42/hr

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Qualifications: * An associate degree in electrical engineering, an Industrial Maintenance ...

Electrical Technician

Milesburg, PA · On-site

$36 - $42/hr

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us ... Qualifications: * An associate degree in electrical engineering, an Industrial Maintenance ...

Help Desk Associate information

See State College, PA salary details

$14

$20

$32

How much do help desk associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for help desk associate in State College, PA is $20.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $23.51 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Help Desk jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Help Desk jobs in State College, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Help Desk Associate jobs in State College, PA?

For Help Desk Associate jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Help Desk Associate jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Help Desk Associate jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Help Desk Associate jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Help Desk Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Help Desk Associate job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,666 per year, or $21 per hour.

IT Support Specialist - Senior Support

Penn State University

State College, PA • On-site

$54 - $78/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Specifics

Penn State IT is seeking a motivated and self-driven IT Support Specialist – Senior Support to join the Service Desk team within the Science IT Department in the Eberly College of Science. The team supports the IT needs of approximately 850 faculty and staff, as well as graduate students, in a diverse research and teaching environment. Supported technologies include Windows, Mac, and Linux computers; Android and iOS mobile devices; printers; standard and research-specific peripherals; and web conferencing technologies.

Location

This position will operate under a hybrid schedule, offering a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Weekly on campus is required at the University Park campus in State College, PA. Questions related to the flexible work arrangement should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Responsibilities
  • Troubleshoot system issues and provide thorough, customer-focused resolutions.
  • Assist with short-term projects and help customers with policy compliance.
  • Support Windows and Mac operating systems; knowledge of Linux is a plus.
  • Develop and hone specialized skills, including Linux distribution support, IP address and DNS management, and endpoint management.
  • Work with tools such as BigFix, JAMF, Lansweeper, IPAM, Splashtop, and ServiceNow, along with general service desk operations.
  • Take ownership of customer IT problems, understand issues at a technical level, and deliver solutions that provide a positive support experience.
  • Balance autonomous work with close collaboration across the Science IT team and other members of the department.
  • Pursue stretch opportunities, professional growth, certifications, college-wide transformation efforts, and university-wide IT networking opportunities.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
  • Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
  • Required Certifications: None
Application Materials

Both a cover letter and resume should be submitted for full consideration. In the cover letter, applicants should explain their interest in the position, describe how their background and experience are relevant, and highlight their customer service skills.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

University Values

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

About Penn State

Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.

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