IT assistant, support technician

What does an IT assistant, support technician do? – Tasks and work environment

An IT assistant, support technician primarily provides technical support to users within organizations or companies. This involves solving problems related to computers, networks, printers, and other IT equipment. The role typically includes both remote support and on-site work, with troubleshooting, software installation, maintenance, and updates being common tasks. The work environment is usually office-based, but work in server rooms or at user locations across departments also occurs. A fast pace and varied tasks characterize the profession, where communication with users and colleagues is a central part of daily work.

Salary development over time

Salaries for IT assistants, support technicians have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK per month, rising to 39 400 SEK in 2023. The most recent figure for 2024 shows an average salary of 40 300 SEK. This corresponds to an increase of about 9.5% over three years, which is slightly higher than the average for many other IT professions. This salary growth can be explained by increased demand for technical support in line with digitalization, and more organizations investing in well-educated user support staff. Gender differences remain, but the gap has narrowed somewhat as more women establish themselves in the industry.

IT assistant, support technician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,800 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 48,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, research education)
• Highest salary for women: 43,900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for men: 36,900 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of what men do (39 400 SEK vs 40 600 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location and employer, but larger cities and the private sector generally offer higher wages.

Education and qualifications

To work as an IT assistant, support technician, a typical requirement is upper secondary education with an IT or technical focus, though many employers also seek post-secondary courses or certifications. Practical experience is often highly valued and can sometimes outweigh formal education, especially for those with strong problem-solving skills and technical interest.

• Upper secondary education: Electrical and energy programs with an IT focus (3 years)
• Vocational college: IT support technician (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Examples include CompTIA A+, Microsoft Certified, Cisco CCNA
• Internships/Traineeships: Common during education or as an introduction at workplaces
• Prerequisites: Basic computer skills, problem-solving ability, good communication skills
• Self-study: Online courses and forums are common ways to deepen knowledge

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for IT assistants and support technicians often include wellness allowances, opportunities for remote work, skills development, and occupational pension. Other common compensations include overtime pay, mobile phones, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or projects. Larger companies often offer subsidized lunches and employee discounts.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession of IT assistant, support technician is moderate but varies depending on region and employer. In larger cities, demand for technical support is higher, which provides more job opportunities but also more applicants per position. One of the biggest challenges is staying updated with rapid technological developments and constantly changing system environments. Stress levels can be high during system outages or major updates. The ability to handle multiple cases simultaneously and communicate pedagogically with users is crucial for success and job satisfaction.

Tips for aspiring IT assistants, support technicians

To succeed as an IT assistant, support technician, it’s good to be curious and have a genuine interest in technology and problem-solving. Developing communication skills is important, as the work often requires explaining technical issues in an understandable way to users. Patience and attentiveness help in stressful situations or when users are frustrated. Self-study and engagement in online forums help keep knowledge current and demonstrate initiative. Taking own initiatives and being service-minded are appreciated by employers and colleagues. Building networks within the IT industry and actively seeking internships can provide valuable contacts and experience. Finally, it’s important to show responsibility and work in a structured manner, making it easier to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Key facts about IT assistant, support technician

• Education level: Upper secondary or vocational college with an IT focus
• Work environment: Office-based, often with remote work options
• Demand: 179 job openings within the profession (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Women earn 97% of what men do
• Special skills: Certifications and troubleshooting experience are highly valued

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as an IT assistant or support technician, there are good opportunities to advance to more specialized roles, such as system administrator, network technician, or IT project manager. Many also choose to further their education in areas like cybersecurity or cloud services. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the Support Technician, IT profession, including IT assistants, indicate a stable demand in the job market, although precise future predictions are limited due to limited data. The ongoing digitalization and increased use of IT services across sectors suggest that the need for support technicians will continue and possibly grow in the long term.

Frequently asked questions about IT assistants, support technicians

• What is the average salary for an IT assistant, support technician?
  - The average salary is 40 300 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked over time?
  - Salaries have increased from 36,800 SEK in 2022 to 40 300 SEK in 2024.
• Is there a difference in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 97% of men's salaries (39 400 SEK vs. 40 600 SEK).
• What education is required to work as an IT assistant, support technician?
  - Most commonly, upper secondary education with an IT focus or vocational college education.
• What tasks does an IT assistant, support technician perform?
  - Troubleshooting, user support, installation and maintenance of IT equipment.
• What does the job market look like?
  - Currently, there are 179 job openings within the profession.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries in the profession?
  - Highest salary: 48,100 SEK (male, private sector), lowest salary: 36,800 SEK (female, public sector).