How to enter the field with 0 experience and a A+ cert?

a+ certification jobs with no experience

eeks, but you learn a lot in those 4 years, and 99% of it takes place outside the classroom. Colleges are one big business, at their lowest levels. And spending time fighting through the bureaucracy of a college is a hell of a way to prep for the bureaucracy of just about any company. You learn patience, you make contacts, build relationships with peers in your field (which are some of the most valuable things ANY geek can have), and generally it gives you a few years to "season" yourself and really figure out what you want to do. Trying to jump straight out of high school and into a career is NOT normal, it only happens in extraordinary circumstances, and odds are, you don't fit the profile (but maybe you do).

All those "crap classes" you take in college? English, Management, Economics? Do I use that stuff day to day in my SysAdmin job? Nope. Am I thankful I have SOME understanding of stuff so i can hold a conversation on any range of topics with my manager, my director, my EVP/CIO, or the CEO? Yes. Having a mature personality goes a long way towards getting your foot in the door for interviews, jobs, and promotions. Think you have a personality now? So did I, when I was a freshman in college. Now I look back at that terrified, uneducated twerp I was, and appreciate that 5 years I spent deciding where I want to be and taking the time to get my education.

Also, don't go getting a ton of certifications until you have a career path lined up. There's no point spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars getting your CCNA, CCNE, or whatever, when there's still potential you'll never use them. Not sure you wanna be a Windows Admin? Why waste time, energy, and money getting an MCP certification?

Also, as was pointed out elsewhere here, Internships are some of the best ways to test the waters of a particular field, build industry contacts, and find permanent jobs. Colleges (at least the ones worth going to) and clubs at colleges, host job fairs regularly. Impress a recruiter there, and you might get an interview. Impress people there, and you got an internship. Companies send recruiters there to look for POTENTIAL, not for experience.

Pick a college. Finish a degree. You don't regret it.

How much can you make with an A+ certification?

a+ certification jobs

Introduction

Interested in getting started as an information security professional? There are quite a few potential points of entry, but earning your A+ certification might be an excellent option. Infosec positions are widely available across the U.S., and with the right certification and minimum experience, you can embark on a rewarding career.

The right certification will also ensure that you have the ability to move on to higher certs as you build confidence and experience, giving you the ability to earn more and enjoy greater challenges in your daily responsibilities.

What Is A+ Certification?

A+ certification is an entry-level credential designed for those hoping to enter the world of information security. It is backed by CompTIA, one of the most recognized infosec firms in the world. According to CompTIA, “A+ certification validates understanding of the most common hardware and software technologies in business and certifies the skills necessary to support complex IT infrastructures.”

As such, it makes an excellent starting point for those hoping to move up within the world of information security. Note that A+ is vendor neutral, so certificate holders are not tied to one particular software platform, but are certified for their knowledge across this entry-level sector. With that being said, A+ certification is not necessarily right for everyone interested in a career in the IT industry.

What Is the Average A+ Salary?

While A+ certification is an entry-level credential, you’ll find salaries vary greatly depending on a number of different factors. Among those factors are years of experience, the city where you’re employed, the actual job role you fill and even your gender. The average salary for a man with A+ certification ranges from $38,248 to $74,186. However, a woman with A+ certification has an average salary from $38,965 to $68,228. A+ certification holders are primarily male – only 7% of those with A+ certification are women.

What job can I get with a CompTIA A+?

comptia a+ jobs near me

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. Jobs like support specialist, field service technician, desktop support analyst and help desk tier 2 support use the skills validated by CompTIA A+ certification.

Furthermore, companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and HP all look for CompTIA A+ certification in hiring.

Other CompTIA A+ job titles include the following:

• Service desk analyst
• Technical support specialist
• Field service technician
• Associate network engineer
• Data support technician
• Desktop support administrator
• End-user computing technician
• Help desk technician
• System support specialist

The Reality of Mean Salary Percentiles

When researching salaries and aiming your career at specific job titles, remember that you may see a range of salaries for one particular job because some companies, as well as some geographies, will pay more than others.

Companies that pay more may also demand more – in terms of experience or responsibilities. The result is a range of possible salaries for any particular job title and the reality of mean salary percentiles.

1. IT support specialist: $54,500
2. Field service technician: $46,000
3. Desktop support analyst: $60,000
4. Help desk tier 2 support: $45,000

5 Ways to Boost Your Pay

The pay you can expect from a particular IT job can vary significantly from the median pay depending on a number of factors that may benefit your role for a certain position. Here are five ways to help increase your pay:

1. Prior Experience: Reducing training time and having expertise that goes beyond your job description may increase your value to an employer. Similarly, prior related job experience provides trust and builds expectations on the side of an employer that can benefit the numbers on your paycheck.
2. Additional Training and Certifications: If CompTIA A+ isn’t your first certification and if you can showcase additional completed training, you may expand the reach of your certifications and qualify for jobs that you otherwise would not – and, in turn, become a candidate for a higher-paying position. Review CompTIA Stackable Certifications to find out how you can build your IT career path with CompTIA certifications. CompTIA Association for IT Professionals (AITP) also offers access to training.
3. Commitment: Becoming certified is the first step to your IT career. Staying certified is even more important and can show employers that you’re committed to your job and that you’re in sync with a rapidly evolving industry.
4. Regional Differences: The pay for a job in one area may be vastly different than what is offered in another area. For example, a systems administrator working in New York, NY, on average, will make about 15 percent, or $14,650, more than the exact same position in Denver, CO.
5. Industry Variations: Keep in mind that some industries may have, in their details, different expectations for certain job titles than others and offer different pay as a result.

What is the average salary for a IT technician?

how much do it techs make

The average Information Technology Generalist salary in the United States is $70,824 as of May 28, 2020, but the range typically falls between $64,904 and $77,017. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Information Technology Generalist performs overall information systems planning, implementation and administrative procedures in a variety of IT functional areas. Provides operational infrastructure support, maintenance, troubleshooting to ensures optimum utilization of IT resources. Being an Information Technology Generalist may be involved in hardware/software/vendor selection, security, training, coordination and scheduling of IT initiatives. Requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Information Technology Generalist typically reports to a supervisor. The Information Technology Generalist occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be an Information Technology Generalist typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.

for more: https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/comptia-a-plus

Information technology has revolutionized modern society. Databases, email, television, smartphones, smart houses, and virtually all of the conveniences of modern life depend on information technology. Nearly 4 million Americans were working in computer, or information technology, fields in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most of these jobs pay relatively well, many with benefits. IT professionals typically enjoy good job security as well. The BLS reports that those who worked in computer-related occupations earned a median salary of $82,860 in 2016

a consultant About the CompTIA A+ certification

what job can i get with a comptia a+

A+ (A Plus) is an entry-level computer certification for PC computer service technicians. The exam is designed to certify the competency of entry-level PC computer service professionals in installing, maintaining, customizing, and operating personal computers. The A+ certification is sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). CompTIA is a large trade group, founded in 1982 and made up of resellers, distributors, and manufacturers. It sets voluntary guidelines dealing with business ethics and professionalism and is involved with many issues including product returns, warranty claims, and price protection.

Historically, A+ Certification was a lifetime certificate, but as of 2011, the A+ certificate must be renewed every three years by retaking the A+ test. Otherwise, certificate holders must pay a CEU (Continuing Education Units) fee to maintain certification.

The A+ exam contains situational, traditional, and identification types of questions. All of the questions are multiple-choice, and there is only one correct answer for each question. The A+ exam is open to anybody, although it is designed to be taken by those with at least six months of job experience as service technicians.

Currently, A+ is the only major non-vendor-specific hardware certification available for IBM-compatible computer systems. Increasingly, many help desk positions as well as service centers are requiring A+ certification or similar experience as a basis for hiring.

CompTIA also sponsors certification for document imaging (Certified Document Imaging Architech [CDIA]) and a network certification exam (Network+). The CompTIA certifications are in general more basic and less product-specific than other certifications, such as Microsoft's MCSE or a Novell CNE.

CompTIA formerly offered a Macintosh module and certificate in the repair and installation of Apple computer systems. This module has been discontinued for several years, and currently the only hardware certification for Macintosh computer systems is available through Apple. For more, see Apple's Training and Certification page.

For more about A+ Certification, visit CompTIA.

You can take the A+ certification exam, as well as exams for many other certifications, at a number of testing centers around the world. To register for an exam via one of these centers, see the Prometric scheduling page.

For more about certifications at IU, see EdCert.

What job can I get with a+?

a+ jobs near me

Yes, but IT has commoditized, meaning entry level / A+ level IT will be $15/hr.

Easy trick few realize: your hourly salary times 2 is your yearly salary (actually 2040 is what most HR departments actually use to calculate it.) So that means $15/hr is basically $30K/yr. But that also means when you look around your office and your boss doesn't have a Bachelor's and graduating looks like it will have a poor ROI because it will only give you a $5/hr raise -- remember that if you never get another raise, if you never get a promotion in your life, that $5/hr means $400,000 over the life of your career. Plus, independent of money, education is hugely correlative to happiness.

Of course it is possible to get a job with just an A+ certification. It is also possible to get a job with no certification at all. The question you're really asking is if it is possible to get a job with an A+ certification that you wouldn't have gotten without that credential. The answer to that is also 'of course'. There is certainly a job opening out there (probably dozens of them, actually), where the hiring manager would pass on a candidate with no job experience or certifications... but would accept one that had no job experience but that does have an A+ certification.

Is there a job with those specifications going to be open in a region convenient to you on the day after you earn your A+ credential? Heck if I know. There's also the problem that Colin has already noted in his reply... the pay for people with A+ (and nothing else) isn't spectacular.

Pull up jobs in your area on an online job site -- Indeed.com is one of my favorites. See if there are companies looking for candidates with A+ credentials in your area and what they pay. If there are some and the jobs interest you, then get the credential. Most likely after you have your A+, a similar set of openings will be available and you can send your resume in.

How much does it cost to get a+ certified?

a+ certification jobs near me

CompTIA A+ certification plays a key role in the careers of more than one million professionals around the world. It validates relevant skill sets and knowledge of software technologies and hardware. Employers use the credential to select candidates capable of supporting complex information technology (IT) infrastructure.

CompTIA A+ helps both entry-level and experienced professionals gain an advantage over their peers. It is based on industry-wide job task analysis (vendor-neutral). The credential is designed to establish best practices when it comes to security, troubleshooting, and networking on a wide array of devices. It also validates communication skills, which complement technical competency.

Organizations in the public and private sectors trust A+ certified professionals to handle their mobile and cloud technology. The credential is developed and maintained by qualified IT experts and it is compliant with the ISO 17024 standards. Subject matter experts are responsible for developing exam content and they draw insights from industry-wide survey feedback. CompTIA A+ is undoubtedly worth the effort and money.

Benefits of investing in a CompTIA A+ certification

• Credibility – the credential is widely recognized and respected; it is a powerful validation of your proficiency.
• Prerequisite for training programs – a number of corporate and vendor-specific training programs list A+ as a prerequisite.
• Improved career opportunities – it opens many new doors that boost your career. Many top IT companies, including IBM only hire CompTIA A+ certified service technicians.
• Increased salary earnings – IT salary surveys show that A+ certification helps increase earnings when compared to non-certified individuals.
• Higher levels of confidence – A+ certified candidates are more confident when applying for jobs.
• College credits – CompTIA A+ certification earns you credits in many colleges in addition to other top certification programs offered by Cisco, Microsoft, Certport and Hewlett-Packard.

CompTIA A+ certification costs

Although the cost of CompTIA A+ exams varies depending on country, the average price is $170. This translates to $340 for two exams required to become fully certified. The examinations you need to take and pass include 200-901 and 200-902. The passing score for 200-901 is 675 whereas the 200-902 exam requires a minimum score of 700. The standard 901 course takes 20 hours. To attend a CompTIA A+ boot camp for 5 days through the Infotec platform, you need to pay $199 for each of the two exams. This gives you an ample chance to prepare for the examination. Passing the first time is a sure-fire way to save money in retake fees. In some cases, training platforms offer significant discounts to help you save in overall certification costs. Some of the discounted prices are aimed at corporate members, which allows employees of eligible organizations to register at reduced fees. Non-member exam individuals are often offered discounts through vouchers. It is possible to enjoy cost savings of between 10 and 45 percent.

The CompTIA A+ exam vouchers generally come with an expiry date and are not extendable. Shorter validity periods provide larger discounts. It is vital to register early for the examination when using short-term vouchers. Geographical applicability may be limited but some are valid internationally. Only purchase vouchers when you are ready to take the examination because they cannot be exchanged or refunded. In some cases, vendors bundle the coupons with a wide variety of training products like study guides. The coupons can be delivered by via regular mail or digitally using e-mail. Some three- or four-exam self-study certification paths cost between $800 and $1,000. Classroom training requires a significant investment ranging between $5,000 and $11,000. Costs associated with self-study can also include study materials, practice and vendor's examination fees. The majority of these expenses exclude the cost of living while studying for exams or attending classroom training. The decision to use online training, self-study or classroom training is influenced by your budget and specific certification or training requirements.

What are the best entry level IT certifications?

entry level it certifications

As businesses continue to rely on increasingly complex information systems, the need for experienced IT professionals continues to grow. Individuals with particular IT certifications are even more sought-after since the rigorous exams and certification prerequisites showcase both deep knowledge and real-world experience.

There’s also evidence that IT certifications can boost earning potential. A recent survey showed that 23% of IT professionals experienced a 20% salary increase after getting certified.1 According to CompTIA, 72% of employers actually require IT certifications for certain positions, and 92% believe IT certifications help ensure the credibility of their IT staff.2          

We looked at over a dozen popular IT certifications and chose the best—those with the highest demand, earning potential, and opportunities for advancement. These are our top picks. 

The 7 Best IT Certifications of 2020

• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP)
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Associate
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation

While Amazon Web Services (AWS) owns 33% of the cloud marketplace versus Google Cloud Platform’s (GCP) 8%, Google is increasingly appealing to newer startups with modern modular applications compatible across any cloud environment.3 As a result, GCP certification is in high demand and commands one of the highest IT salaries, averaging around $175,000 per year.4

As more and more businesses leverage the power of the cloud, they are finding it difficult to find qualified candidates to fill cloud IT positions. GCP certification caters to this need by showing that an individual has the skills to design, develop, and manage a secure, scalable cloud architecture using GCP technologies.

The GCP exam takes two hours to complete, costs $200, and can be taken online or at a local test center. GCP certification is valid for two years, and then an individual will need to get recertified by taking the exam again.

Google recommends at least three years of industry experience including at least one year of designing and managing solutions using GCP for anyone wanting to take the GCP certification exam. 

Recommended Training Provider

As a company-sponsored certificate, professionals seeking GCP certification should go straight to Google for training. Google offers an exam guide, a practice exam, and a number of free online training resources for GCP certification. 

Network Support Technician Job Description

network support technician salary

Network support technicians undertake tasks related to network development and maintenance. They also troubleshoot computer issues and provide technical support and guidance to employees. The purpose of this job is to create and maintain well-functioning network systems that help the business operate smoothly. Network support technicians usually work full-time hours. Because companies often require their computer systems to run constantly, evening and weekend work may also be required. This job is well suited to people who enjoy working with technology, have strong problem-solving skills, and take an analytical approach to their work.

Network Support Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Network support technicians carry out a variety of duties depending on the organization they work for. Based on job listings we analyzed, their duties typically include:

Design and Install Computer Networks

One of the network support technician’s primary tasks is designing and installing computer networks that run as effectively as possible to best serve the company’s business goals and daily operations. This involves checking connections and cabling and testing that devices are working as they should.

Troubleshoot System Failures

Network support technicians inspect system failures to identify the problem and highlight any bottlenecks that could slow down the network. They ensure the network and infrastructure are as efficient as possible and fix any problems or bugs that have been identified.

Test Software

A key part of this job is testing software to configure it correctly, in addition to maintaining or repairing hardware and devices when issues arise. Regular tests and data backups are performed regularly throughout the year to ensure the system works efficiently at all times and to protect the company’s data.

Organize Upgrade Schedules

Network support technicians regularly organize and plan system maintenance to check everything is running as it should. They schedule these checks in advance to avoid interrupting daily workflow. They also evaluate the network’s performance to see if it can be improved.

Provide Technical Guidance

Network support technicians help colleagues or clients with their computer and network usage problems, offering technical direction, instructions, and advice where they can to resolve the issues.

Network Support Technician Job Description

network support technician salary

Network support technicians undertake tasks related to network development and maintenance. They also troubleshoot computer issues and provide technical support and guidance to employees. The purpose of this job is to create and maintain well-functioning network systems that help the business operate smoothly. Network support technicians usually work full-time hours. Because companies often require their computer systems to run constantly, evening and weekend work may also be required. This job is well suited to people who enjoy working with technology, have strong problem-solving skills, and take an analytical approach to their work.

Network Support Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Network support technicians carry out a variety of duties depending on the organization they work for. Based on job listings we analyzed, their duties typically include:

Design and Install Computer Networks

One of the network support technician’s primary tasks is designing and installing computer networks that run as effectively as possible to best serve the company’s business goals and daily operations. This involves checking connections and cabling and testing that devices are working as they should.

Troubleshoot System Failures

Network support technicians inspect system failures to identify the problem and highlight any bottlenecks that could slow down the network. They ensure the network and infrastructure are as efficient as possible and fix any problems or bugs that have been identified.

Test Software

A key part of this job is testing software to configure it correctly, in addition to maintaining or repairing hardware and devices when issues arise. Regular tests and data backups are performed regularly throughout the year to ensure the system works efficiently at all times and to protect the company’s data.

Organize Upgrade Schedules

Network support technicians regularly organize and plan system maintenance to check everything is running as it should. They schedule these checks in advance to avoid interrupting daily workflow. They also evaluate the network’s performance to see if it can be improved.

Provide Technical Guidance

Network support technicians help colleagues or clients with their computer and network usage problems, offering technical direction, instructions, and advice where they can to resolve the issues.

Is a CompTIA A+ worth it?

comptia a+ certification salary

The new CompTIA A+ certification proves you know IT fundamentals

A+ critics say the exam is only good as a basic IT competency check. But that seems like a good thing?  While it’s true A+ certification won’t land you a senior role or coveted technical position, it definitely has its place in your certification toolbox.

If you’re coming into IT without experience, studying for exams help you learn the basics. The A+ exam might only be 90 questions, but you obviously don’t know which questions. It’s like the trick where the teacher or instructor allows a cheat sheet for an exam. By the time you’ve created the cheat sheet, you don’t need it.

For tinkerers, the A+ will be a little easier — and it will help validate your knowledge. If you’ve already been building PCs and installing operating systems, then you’d easily pass the 700-series exams from years ago. But the latest A+ exams released this month covers IT security, cloud concepts, and scripting that a hobbyist might not have touched yet.

It’s easier to get a job with a certification. Passing the new CompTIA A+ confirms you know your stuff in an industry-approved way. Hobbyist experience is great. You’ll certainly thrive in a support role, but that experience won’t hold the same authority on a resume compared to A+ certification. Certifications are a basic competency assurance for an employer. And that’s exactly what a person needs if they have no experience in IT.

3. Resolve common issues faster with A+ certification

In this day and age of service-level agreements, why get your hands dirty? You can simply call the vendor and have them resolve the issues. But wouldn’t it be quicker if you could just do it yourself?

Yes, it is true that most companies will send out their own service technicians to repair most hardware on site. But some manufacturers will ask you to perform the first line troubleshooting with them over the phone. They can help you point and click, but it’s easier if you can narrow it down in the correct terms. The A+ can help with that — the new exams cover a bevy of operating systems and demonstrate that you can be trusted with a screwdriver. After all, not everyone should be opening a computer, printer, or server.

An added bonus, when you save the day by resolving that printer issue, you’ll be the office hero. That doesn’t happen very often for IT pros.

4. Develop certification study habits with the new A+ certification

If you’re brand new to the IT certification process, you should take a long hard look at the new CompTIA A+ exam. By now, you’ve learned that the certification provides a strong foundation for an IT career. But if you want to earn the certification, you need to develop good study habits.

Certifications are a big part of a career in IT, which means you’ll need to learn how to study for them. If the A+ is your first exam, then you’re learning the CompTIA way of testing. You’ll be learning how to use the course objectives to build a study plan. You’ll even be learning how the exam day logistics, like what ID to bring and what it feels like to sit for a 90-minute exam.

Even though CompTIA A+ is relatively straightforward, it should not be taken lightly. There are the obvious monetary implications for not passing — the exams cost $219 for each attempt. You’re also building study habits — good or bad — that will inevitably carry over to other CompTIA certifications.

5. CompTIA A+ costs less than a computer science degree

We’ve debated certifications versus degrees because it’s an important, personal decision. Even our trainers are split on the topic. Depending on who you ask, degrees are great. They’re transferable, useful, and they never expire. So if you want a degree, go for it. That said, going that route will cost more and take longer than earning the new A+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification exams alone will cost $438. A computer science degree is going to cost quite a bit more. For a two-year CS associate program, the average cost per year is $20,784 USD.  And let’s be honest, degrees aren’t for everyone.

The utility of either education lies in how you plan on using it. If you are pursuing a career in CPU design or complex mathematical computation, then a computer science degree is obviously going to be the better choice.

If you plan on working for a small IT firm that does break and fix repairs, then you land that job with a certification. You’ll be better served by earning A+ certification. The bottom line is thinking about where you plan on going with your career — and find the tools that will help you get there.

6. If you want to get hands-on, the CompTIA A+ is a good start

There’s a general notion that A+ is only good for a job repairing computers or working the help desk. (As though that were a bad thing.)

Not everyone aspires to the CCIE or an AWS Solutions Architect. And *gasp*, maybe you actually enjoy interacting with people. Let’s be honest, some IT jobs consist of long hours staring at screens and hanging out in server rooms. Not exactly the best fit if you’re a more social person.

Besides, you’ve got to start somewhere. The help desk is the first stop for many IT pros. And to land that first job, the A+ really helps. You can stay there, or specialize when you discover a passion.

Is the CompTIA A+ worth it?

Earning A+ certification can open a lot of doors for you. Whether it’s networking or IT security, the new A+ provides you with the foundational knowledge you need to be successful in all areas of IT. When you’re ready to narrow your focus and go-vendor specific, your A+ certification will certainly have been worth it.

There’s a lot of reasons to earn A+ certification, so don’t let naysayers deter you. Even if your aspirations are higher up the IT ladder, certifying in A+ isn’t going to hurt you. Earning certs shows a strong commitment to learning and keeping your skills current.

How much can you make with an A+ certification?

a+ certification jobs

Introduction

Interested in getting started as an information security professional? There are quite a few potential points of entry, but earning your A+ certification might be an excellent option. Infosec positions are widely available across the U.S., and with the right certification and minimum experience, you can embark on a rewarding career.

The right certification will also ensure that you have the ability to move on to higher certs as you build confidence and experience, giving you the ability to earn more and enjoy greater challenges in your daily responsibilities.

What Is A+ Certification?

A+ certification is an entry-level credential designed for those hoping to enter the world of information security. It is backed by CompTIA, one of the most recognized infosec firms in the world. According to CompTIA, “A+ certification validates understanding of the most common hardware and software technologies in business and certifies the skills necessary to support complex IT infrastructures.”

As such, it makes an excellent starting point for those hoping to move up within the world of information security. Note that A+ is vendor neutral, so certificate holders are not tied to one particular software platform, but are certified for their knowledge across this entry-level sector. With that being said, A+ certification is not necessarily right for everyone interested in a career in the IT industry.

What Is the Average A+ Salary?

While A+ certification is an entry-level credential, you’ll find salaries vary greatly depending on a number of different factors. Among those factors are years of experience, the city where you’re employed, the actual job role you fill and even your gender. The average salary for a man with A+ certification ranges from $38,248 to $74,186. However, a woman with A+ certification has an average salary from $38,965 to $68,228. A+ certification holders are primarily male – only 7% of those with A+ certification are women.

What kind of jobs are at a data center?

data center jobs salary

Today’s data center is an evolving engine supporting new types of workloads and users. There are new kinds of demands being placed around resource controls, facilities management, and data center optimization. Businesses are spending more money on their environments to better compete in an evolving world. https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/data-center-technician

Cloud is a big part of that evolution. Global spending on Infrastructure-as-a-Service is expected to reach about $16.5 billion in 2015, an increase of 32.8 percent from 2014, with a compound annual growth rate from 2014 to 2019 forecast at 29.1 percent, according to Gartner.

As their approach to infrastructure changes, organizations are looking to invest in good people to support new initiatives. This means personnel needs to evolve with new demands of the market, which has created new positions, evolved others, and has forced the data center industry to invest in new talent.

Abut one third of respondents to our sister company AFCOM's latest State of the Data Center Survey, for example, said their personnel costs have increased because of new training and certification requirements. Yet, traditional data center infrastructure roles remain hard to fill.

It’s a competitive market, and it’s not always easy to find the right people. Respondents to the survey have had challenges filling the following top three roles:

1. Data center facility technicians, engineers, and operators: 42 percent
2. IT systems and/or applications personnel: 20 percent
3. Network and telecommunications personnel: 19 percent

Building data centers creates jobs

data center jobs salary

It's no secret that the economy is changing. As technology plays a greater role in our personal and professional lives, our economy too increasingly relies on technology to create jobs and encourage growth. Technology is the foundation of our digital economy, and its modern infrastructure is data.

However, in order to use data, we need a place to process and store it - in other words, data centers. Data centers are facilities that house the computers that process data. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are three million data centers across the country - including here in Alabama.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC) recently set out to learn how data centers impact their local communities, and the findings were substantial. According to our recent report, the average data center adds $32.5 million in economic activity to its local community each year.

Our report reveals that during construction, the average data center employs 1,688 local workers and provides them $77.7 million in wages. Additionally, building the average data center generates $243.5 million in output throughout a local economy's supply chain and produces $9.9 million in revenue for state and local governments, which can then be used for public services. For every year that follows, that same data center goes on to support 157 local jobs paying $7.8 million in wages. It injects $32.5 million into the local economy and generates $1.1 million in revenue to state and local governments.

The economic benefits of data centers can be seen here in Alabama, where they have been a significant boost to the state economy. Google is currently building a $600 million data center in Jackson County and plans to create over 100 high-paying jobs. Other major companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield, AT&T, and Atlanta-based power company Southern Company have already invested millions of dollars building data centers around Birmingham.

Across the country, data centers are powering communities, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. They support local communities both directly and indirectly through improving public infrastructure such as roads, power lines, water, and sewage systems and providing millions of dollars to local governments. Local infrastructure improvements and robust commercial activity can also help bring more businesses to the area, which can create jobs and spur additional economic growth.

However, beyond our local communities, data centers are also important to our global competitiveness. Innovations in science, energy, manufacturing, health care, education, transportation and many other fields depend on new technology and the ability to store and process data. Data centers create a foundation for the technology that has supported distance learning courses that improve education for both children and adults, wearable technologies that encourage healthy lifestyles, and lifesaving gene therapies for diseases like cancer.https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/data-center-technician

The innovations that change the world start here at home. To create jobs in Alabama, spur innovation, and drive economic growth, we need to support investment in data centers. We need to create a business environment that encourages research and development. We need smart tax policies that incentivize investments in innovative and job-creating technology, and we need to lift burdensome regulations that prevent entrepreneurs from creating new products. The thousands of Americans working to build and operate data centers are proof that - with the right policies in place - data centers can create jobs in our communities that power innovation across the country and around the world.