Hey everyone! I'm currently in a Tier 1 help desk role but feel like I'm doing a lot more than typical help desk tasks. I'm hoping to get your thoughts on whether I'm right to feel this way and what kind of roles and salaries I should be aiming for in the job market. I've been stuck here for about 1.5 years with no real chances for advancement since most of the senior engineers have been around for over a decade. I only get a standard 3% raise each year, and asking for more could put my job at risk. Here's a quick overview of my situation:
- Location: Columbia, SC
- Current Pay: $35,650 USD
- Education: B.S. in IT
- Certifications: Net+, Sec+, CySA, AZ-900, Jamf 100, 200 & 300
- Day-to-Day Responsibilities Include Managing Apps (ABM, Jamf, Intune), Patching Servers, Setting Up SSO, Creating Users and Groups, Scripting for Automation, Upgrading VMs, and More.
I do some typical help desk tasks like workstation setups occasionally, but overall my job feels much more advanced than T1 duties. I'd appreciate any insights on how to navigate my career from here!
3 Answers
You're definitely underpaid compared to the skill set you have! In Florence, new techs are starting at $37,500 with minimal experience. It might be time to start scouting for new opportunities, as you deserve better given what you handle daily.
Honestly, it sounds like you're doing a sysadmin's job and getting paid like a help desk tech. Your duties like managing servers, creating scripts, and working on SSO setup are definitely beyond the T1 scope in most places. You should definitely be aiming for a higher role, and it’s worth shopping around. Companies need specialists, and with your skills, you could easily land a better-paying position!
Absolutely! With your certifications and experience, you should target a salary more in line with T3 or junior sysadmin roles. Don't be afraid to apply for those positions and negotiate your worth!
I think you're being undervalued big-time. If you're not able to get a raise where you are, it sounds like it might be worth sticking it out for a bit while you look for a better position. Just remember, when you apply, present your experience as a system administrator rather than T1. That should help with your applications!
Well said! It’s crucial to frame your experience correctly. Highlighting your actual responsibilities will help open doors that a T1 label won’t.
Exactly! You shouldn’t be in a position where basic fast food jobs pay as much as you do. The job market is tough, but there are companies out there recognizing this skill set.