25 of the Highest Paying Desktop Support Jobs in 2026

The best Desktop Support jobs can pay up to $182,500 per year.

High Paying Desktop Support Jobs

• Computer Architect

  Salary range: $167,500 - $182,500

  A computer architect designs software to enhance a company’s network performance. As a computer architect, you design software, write algorithms, and engineer new systems to improve performance and function goals. Your responsibilities include maintaining data and putting together new components to help the business systems run more efficiently based on the company’s needs. Computer architects may also work with computer hardware, researching, developing, designing, and testing computer equipment.

• ASIC Design Engineer

  Salary range: $131,500 - $180,000

  An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is an electronic circuit created for a specific purpose, rather than for general use. ASIC design engineers create product design specification (PDS) statements for ASIC, optimize logic design, and create architectural design models. ASIC design engineers often work on a team to deliver ASIC design solutions for standard and complex computing. Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) tools, logic simulation, Verilog, and other hardware description languages (HDLs) is integral to career success.

• Desktop Architect

  Salary range: $159,000 - $176,000

  A desktop architect, also called a systems architect, is responsible for providing technical expertise to the users of a company’s computer desktops or workstations. Your job duties include establishing technical standards for computer workstations, working with management of the company to enforce these architectural standards, and identifying areas for improvement. The qualifications for a career as a desktop architect include a bachelor’s degree, although some employers prefer a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. A successful desktop architect needs strong technical and interpersonal skills.

• Asic Verification Engineer

  Salary range: $136,000 - $175,500

  An ASIC verification engineer works with system designers and architects to test performance and validate hardware components and systems. You plan and develop a verification environment while coordinating with developers and architects throughout the design process. Your duties involve working closely with these other teams during the design process. Your responsibilities may include using computer hardware languages such as Verilog. In this career, you work on hardware design and use algorithms, data structure analysis, and other advanced design techniques.

• Hardware Design Engineer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $174,000

  A hardware design engineer uses their advanced knowledge of computer systems and schematics to develop and build useful hardware. Their duties include identifying hardware needs, building new hardware pieces, and testing and analyzing the results to ensure the system works as desired. Hardware design engineers must have in-depth knowledge of computer components and processes to understand internet-ready computer systems. They must maintain their knowledge of the latest software and networking needs so they can design hardware that interacts with the internet appropriately. Hardware design engineers work in teams with software developers to ensure that all components are capable of working together.

• Computer Hardware Engineer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $171,000

  Computer hardware engineers design and test new computer hardware components, such as screens, motherboards, and memory. They may also work with products that include a computer system, such as cars, home entertainment components, and appliances that connect to the internet. Your responsibilities include creating design drawings and collaborating with manufacturers to ensure the devices are produced to specifications. You may also work with software developers to ensure compatibility. You must be able to read and design technical drawings and be able to communicate effectively with all participants in the project.

• Fpga Design Engineer

  Salary range: $123,000 - $169,500

  An FPGA Design Engineer is responsible for the design and production of field-programmable gate array circuits for customers. You meet to discuss specifications and types of programming or use with the circuit before drawing up schematics You are familiar with platforms for FPGA and integrated circuits and know how to test and model equipment before production. The career is highly detailed -orientd— your duties require significant skills and experience in electrical engineering and computer architecture. Mos FPGA engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science,e as well as post-secondary certification and qualifications.

• ASIC Engineer

  Salary range: $166,000 - $166,000

  An ASIC Engineer works with the design and verification of an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). This type of integrated circuit is designed for a specified purpose, like digital voice recording or cryptocurrency mining. An ASIC engineer has experience and skills that they use to program the integrated circuit based on defined requirements. They are capable of designing and producing ASICs that have over 100 million logic gates.

• Hardware Engineer

  Salary range: $123,500 - $163,000

  A hardware engineer, or computer hardware engineer, specializes in all aspects of computer hardware, including testing, repairing, building, and maintaining its efficiency. As a hardware engineer, your responsibilities include developing and installing new hardware systems for businesses, providing tech support to users with hardware issues, along with designing and building new products for manufacturers. You may specialize in areas such as internal components, servers, electrical engineering, cellular and tablet devices, or traditional computers and networks.

• Computer Engineer

  Salary range: $111,500 - $131,500

  A computer engineer designs, researches, tests, and develops computer equipment and software such as circuit boards, chips, routers, and application programs. Computer engineers analyze complex equipment and systems to understand the best way to improve it. They create new types of information technology devices and use logic and reasoning to hone in on goals, test assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. Engineers often work in teams and have to be able to communicate with other types of engineers, including non-technical team members. Computer engineers make sure that components fit together properly and function according to the latest software developments.

• Desktop Engineer

  Salary range: $58,000 - $120,500

  A desktop engineer is responsible for troubleshooting problems with computer software and hardware. In this job, you may work as a desktop support engineer for a technical support firm that services multiple clients or for a company, school, or government agency in their IT department. Your job duties include responding to telephone and email inquiries, monitoring computer systems, installing software or hardware, and performing maintenance on computer systems. You need strong customer service and problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of computers to succeed in a career as a desktop engineer.

• Technical Support Manager

  Salary range: $65,000 - $104,000

  A technical support manager is in charge of the technical service operations for a company or organization. They oversee IT, engineering, or maintenance staff members to ensure the proper handling of network problems. Job duties include monitoring inventory, designing and implementing better processes or policies for operation, recommending product or service changes, and ensures all projects meet customer needs and budget requirements. Strong computer and communication skills are vital for this career. Qualifications begin with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and at least five years of relevant experience, including at least a couple years supervising. Employers typically prefer candidates to have a master’s degree in business administration.

• Computer Consultant

  Salary range: $40,000 - $102,000

  A computer consultant helps companies troubleshoot problems with and identify solutions for information technology (IT) management. As a computer consultant, your job duties include evaluating computer and data network setups, identifying bugs or issues, developing and implementing solutions, and ensuring that network security is up to par. Your responsibilities may range from the initial design and setup of computer networks to providing ongoing maintenance and security. You need in-depth IT knowledge and a strong technical skill set to be a good computer consultant.

• Desktop Support Manager

  Salary range: $50,000 - $100,000

  Desktop support managers oversee the operations of the technical support staff in a company dedicated to helping customers resolve issues with their desktop computers. As a desktop support manager, your job duties include administrative tasks such as scheduling staff, supervising and evaluating employees, and using management computer software. The qualifications for a career as a desktop support manager include a bachelor’s degree in information systems technology and management experience. You need excellent technical skills and strong leadership skills to succeed in desktop support manager jobs.

• Help Desk Manager

  Salary range: $66,000 - $100,000

  A help desk manager oversees the technical support department for a retail company, typically in the computer or electronic industry. As the help desk manager, you are responsible for managing the support staff. Your job duties include ensuring that computer users get the help they need with software, hardware, or any other tech product. In this job, you may communicate directly with clients or direct your staff members in best communication practices. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and management experience. You also need strong leadership and customer service skills.

• Cae Engineer

  Salary range: $80,000 - $96,500

  A CAE engineer is an individual that uses computer-aided engineering (CAE) software to test the characteristics of a 3D model, such as the material’s strength, fatigue, and stress limits. While many CAE engineers possess drafting skills as well, this process varies significantly from CAD, as you are analyzing instead of designing. As a CAE engineer, your job duties include collaborating with system engineers and component engineers, using finite element analysis (FEA) software, and providing reports about your findings. The qualifications for a CAE engineering career are a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and several years of engineering experience.

• Service Engineer

  Salary range: $67,000 - $95,000

  A service engineer, also called a field service engineer, installs, repairs, and maintains equipment for clients. As a service engineer, you are the face of your company, traveling on-site to troubleshoot the issues your client has with the machinery. Depending on where your client is located, you may work in offices, factories, or health care facilities; indoor or outdoor areas; locally or overseas. You may specialize in a particular industry or type of equipment, but you need to have broad knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and technological principles. Service engineers may also collaborate with design teams to configure the proper machinery to fit each client’s needs and train employees in the organization to use the equipment.

• IT Support Specialist

  Salary range: $46,500 - $94,000

  An IT support specialist provides technical support and assistance for computers and networks. These specialists can either work for an IT company, providing support to customers, or within an IT department for a private company. In a career as an IT support specialist, your job duties are to answer questions about computer systems and troubleshoot solutions to software problems over the phone, via email, or in person, if necessary. If an issue arises that you can’t resolve, then you must submit a trouble ticket to have a computer technician do a site visit. The qualifications to become an IT support specialist are strong computer skills and a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology (IT). Relevant experience can sometimes mack up for lack of formal education.

• Desktop Administrator

  Salary range: $55,500 - $81,000

  A desktop administrator is responsible for the management of user workstations for an organization. Desktop administration or DA job duties involve configuring and overseeing network connections, data management, user settings, and security. You also handle technical support issues for users as they arise. The qualifications to begin a career as a desktop administrator include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. To succeed in this job, you need excellent customer service and critical thinking skills as well as experience working with a variety of computer software and cloud environments.

• Computer Operations Specialist

  Salary range: $47,000 - $80,000

  The job duties of a computer operations specialist involve working to monitor computer systems in a data center or another setting with multiple computer terminals. Your responsibilities in this career may include running diagnostics to ensure that the system is operating safely and efficiently. You also replace or clean hardware equipment when necessary, provide proper system set-up, and control upgrades and software replacement. You may also establish run sequences to automate specific tasks. As a computer operations specialist, you generally work under a supervisor in an IT department.

• System Operator

  Salary range: $40,500 - $79,500

  A system operator works in the electricity industry and is highly trained to run a power grid to ensure the reliability and functionality of varying systems. As a system operator, you control and oversee the flow of electricity to a power plant or utility company that then supplies power to commercial and residential properties. Job duties include monitoring and controlling circuit breakers or converters, communicating with field crews and other personnel, fixing malfunctions, and reporting issues to supervisors. The preferred qualifications start with a bachelor’s degree in engineering; however, because most system operators gain experience through on-the-job training to start, a high school diploma may suffice. System operators continuously train and update their skills throughout their career to keep up with regulations and policies.

• Computer Specialist

  Salary range: $42,000 - $73,500

  As a computer specialist, you are responsible for the support of computer software, hardware, and operating systems used by an organization. You are most likely part of a technical support group for a company’s information technology (IT) department and are a specialist in the operation, maintenance, and repair of computer systems. Your job duties include troubleshooting issues reported by users, identifying root causes of the reported issues, deploying workstations and managing login credentials for employees, and installing software updates on computers.

• Software Licensing Analyst

  Salary range: $53,500 - $68,500

  A software licensing analyst establishes processes for enhancing software licensing. Their responsibilities include analyzing purchased licenses, reviewing discovery data, processing and maintaining client software, conducting research to assist with purchases and contract requirements, and offering end-user functional support. They also verify usage, advise purchases based on needs, and provide project delivery after meeting requirements. The duties of a software licensing analyst are to manage applications, optimize software, identify and address issues, analyze usage, advise management, and prepare documentation to further support clients.

• Help Desk Administrator

  Salary range: $44,500 - $66,000

  A help desk administrator provides support to a company and their clients, often in the technology department, by troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving issues with hardware, software, and computers in general. The responsibilities of this position include working efficiently while ensuring their customers have an engaging and satisfying customer experience. Daily duties include taking phone calls and responding to tickets or email assistance requests. Qualifications include an associate degree, customer service experience, and hands-on computer experience. Useful skills include proper phone etiquette, thorough knowledge of the business you’re providing troubleshooting for, and the ability to explain issues to those who are less tech-savvy. Being hired as a help desk administrator is useful experience for starting a career in IT, customer service, or business administration.

• Desktop Support Engineer

  Salary range: $43,000 - $64,000

  A desktop support engineer manages the computers and laptops for an organization. As a desktop support engineer, you may work as a member of the IT team for a business or as an employee of a technical support company, servicing multiple clients. Common job duties involve troubleshooting technology issues, maintaining equipment and software, and training new users at the company. Many desktop support engineers also help handle computer system security issues and fix problems with network servers. In addition to computer skills, the position requires a flexible schedule, the willingness to work long hours, and the ability to take on several different roles as needed.