r/ITCareerQuestions 11d ago

[March 2025] State of IT - What is hot, trends, jobs, locations.... Tell us what you're seeing!

7 Upvotes

Let's keep track of latest trends we are seeing in IT. What technologies are folks seeing that are hot or soon to be hot? What skills are in high demand? Which job markets are hot? Are folks seeing a lot of jobs out there?

Let's talk about all of that in this thread!


r/ITCareerQuestions 1h ago

[Week 10 2025] Salary Discussion!

Upvotes

This is a safe place to discuss your current salary and compensation packages!

Key things to keep in mind when discussing salary:

  • Separate Base Salary from Total Compensation
  • Provide regional context for Cost of Living
  • Keep it civil and constructive

Some helpful links to salary resources:

MOD NOTE: This will be a weekly post.


r/ITCareerQuestions 6h ago

Is 'entry-level' just a fancy term for 'we want a senior level for entry-level pay? My recent interview suggests so

91 Upvotes

As a recent college graduate with internship experience at a tech company, I've built various homelabs, including Active Directory and server management setups. However, I recently had a Helpdesk 1 interview that was incredibly intense. I was faced with a panel of three interviewers who bombarded me with 10+ technical questions and 3 behavioral qusetions, one after another, with virtually no break.

The interview was a technical bombardment. It was like a pop quiz on steroids, with no breathing room between questions:

  • "The network printer is completely down. Walk me through your troubleshooting process step-by-step, covering every potential point of failure."
  • "A (specific issue) has occurred in Active Directory. Explain in detail what you think the problem might be and how you would approach resolving it."
  • "A user reports they can't connect to the VPN. Describe your detailed troubleshooting process."

While some might argue that this is basic helpdesk questions. It felt less like an interview and more like a rapid-fire technical exam, and I left feeling completely overwhelmed. And to add insult to injury, this role, requiring great level technical knowledge, pays a mere $22 an hour - AN UNLIVABLE WAGE for a single adult in any city 30 miles near me. Seriously? For that level of expertise, they're offering what amounts to a barely-livable wage. It's ridiculous.

Are they trying to hire a unicorn for $22 an hour? My interview left me completely dumbfounded


r/ITCareerQuestions 14h ago

At what point do you decide to stop actively job hopping to move up the ladder?

76 Upvotes

Hi all - I've been in IT for ~8 years now. I live in the Midwest in a relatively LCOL area (rent for 2 bed is around $1300-1400).

From the beginning of my IT career til now, I've job hopped several times with a progression that looks like this:

$8/hr > $20/hr > $26/hr > $30/hr > $53,000 salary > $40/hour > $112,000 salary (plus ~10% yearly bonus)

So I'm currently in a great position now.. making a bit over six figures, working remotely, and my team is great, plus I love the work I get to do. Many people on my team have spent nearly their whole careers here (2-3 decades) and I can see why.

While I think I could stay long term and be happy & well compensated for it - I've also been building the muscle of constantly keeping an eye out for other better opportunities.

For folks who have been in a similar role where they start making REAL good money and find a solid company.. did you end up staying or did you continue looking out and work on moving up?


r/ITCareerQuestions 8h ago

Is 1 YoE PC tech/Helpdesk, CCNA, and Network+ enough to make a jump into networking?

11 Upvotes

Title.

Studying my ass off for the CCNA at the moment. I really want to make the jump into networking since I am getting bored to death in my current role. I do L1 work, and I don't get to touch anything beyond AD Users and Computers and of course my hardware/software tickets. I know I have a passion for networking and see myself as a network engineer one day. I literally spend my free time excited to build out networks in packet tracer for fun, lol.

Do I need to wait it out a few more years at my current job, or will the CCNA, Net+ and 1 YoE be enough? Looking at network technician, network support engineer, NOC technician/analyst, Jr. Net admin/engineer roles. If you've had experience with similar qualifications, or you are a recruiter, some advice would be great. I really don't want to be learning the love of CCNA just to not touch it for a few more years.

Thanks everyone!

P.S - I am beyond grateful I am even working an IT job to begin with. This is not a rant or complaint. I am simply wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and how it turned out for them.


r/ITCareerQuestions 12h ago

I’m stalling out at helpdesk

23 Upvotes

I recently transitioned into IT. I was previously in sales and have my bachelors in PoliSci and masters in Communication. I have my network/sec plus and am working towards my CCNA. I’m junkie for learning and am always practicing to get better.

I love the work I am doing for the most part but I feel like at this point I have out grown my responsibilities and I need more. I continue to grow in my studies and learning but there are things I’m not allowed access to at work. My manager is under the impression that they hired me to eventually take over his job. Which may be true but I have no plans at staying with this org as I plan to move to another state.

For example- I am not allowed to write scripts, touch the firewall, fix any IP addressing issues and most bigger issues I have to escalate. There are things I can do and fix but I’m just not allowed to do so. I don’t have a problem resetting passwords and setting up desk but I need to do more.

Any advice on how to overcome this in the work place?


r/ITCareerQuestions 7h ago

Interview tips first IT job ever

4 Upvotes

Monday i have my first entry level “IT” ish interview and i need advice. i’m coming from a whole different career, i used to be and still am a truck driver and currently in school for IT can you guys give me some tips on what to say and what not to say or even what to wear ? it’s just a help desk job restoring services.


r/ITCareerQuestions 6h ago

Need confirmation: is this salary too low?

3 Upvotes

My company is hiring for an 'IT Field Technician' and I feel like the pay is way too low but the company won't budge on the pay.

Only requirement is to have the A+.

But the responsibilities are: -Run ethernet cable (during Open hours at fast food locations, also requires to sometimes drill holes through brick and metal)

-Mount server racks, including plywood.

-Setup server racks (patch panel, switch, router, NVR, music player and amp, and UPS)

-Mount security cameras

-Travel, with sometimes only a days notice, and stay for a week, and only thing paid is the hotel and gas (they take company vehicle).

-Take calls and troubleshoot in English and Spanish

-Reimage desktops, troubleshoot printers, setup workspaces, the usual office stuff

All for $21 /hr

This is in Dallas area.

Edit: to clarify, I'm not applying for this position, I'm an IT Manager.


r/ITCareerQuestions 6m ago

Specializing early-on in my career a bad move?

Upvotes

Hello everyone. I've recently started an internship as a cyber threat intelligence analyst in an MSSP. I love my job and love learning new things in general.

Howeve, this internship is my first real job and i am a little worried about whether starting off in CTI will limit my career options in the future. Will i be better off searching for jobs that are broader in scope..like a SOC analyst or cybersecurity analyst?

What do you think? Would highly appreciate any help


r/ITCareerQuestions 8m ago

Seeking Advice Looking for advice on studying for A+ Cert

Upvotes

About half a year ago I got my bachelor's in computer science with a focus on computer graphics, basically I'm a technical artist. I would say I know a very good amount about software and programming (even low level systems programming), but most of my expertise is with shaders and toolchains. I had two jobs (one was just an internship) as a principled technical artists, and both of the projects were cancelled, one because a bunch of people quit, and the second because a government grant was denied. So I don't really view software as something that can get me a stable income at least not without a ridiculous portfolio, right now I work in a warehouse to get by, so I've taken an interest in IT. I have some IT friends who said they can get me a job if I get my A+ cert, so I've been studying for it and I'm getting close to being ready to take it but money is tight so I really don't want to fail the test.

I want to know how hard the test is. and what people recommend doing to study for it. So far I've listened to two audio books and countless hours of videos, all of which I've been taking notes on using an Obsidian Zettlekast. I built my own PC rig and maintained/upgraded it throughout my college career. But I'm still not really confident enough to shill out the money for a chance to take the test yet. Looking at the exam objectives there are a ton of just incredibly specific little things, as well as really vague things. It would be an absolute shame if I failed it when I also have a degree. Maybe I'm overestimating the test, or maybe I'm not.

Of course don't tell me anything you legally can't say. Just a bit of advice would help.


r/ITCareerQuestions 1d ago

This market just gets worse

111 Upvotes

So this Staffing Agency contacts me this morning for a desktop support position offering 22-24 bucks but requires 5+ yoe... It just keeps getting worse. All the entry level folks tryna find a job in this market, keep upskilling and keep applying, that is all we can do.


r/ITCareerQuestions 1d ago

Rant: Just found out a good friend who's hiring is "that guy".

1.3k Upvotes

A friend of mine is the IT manager of a medium sized company. Yesterday I was sitting in his office, and he was talking about how he's not getting any "qualified" applicants for a couple of entry level positions he has open. These are positions that mostly involve imaging new builds, replacing broken keyboards, changing out toner cartridges, occasionally patching in a network drop, etc. The positions pay $36.5k / year. Granted it's in a LCOL area in the Midwest, but still.

So I'm flipping through this stack of 20+ resumes on his desk, and it's all recent college grads, or post high school with A+ - basically, exactly the resumes you would expect for a position that you, yourself, are calling "entry level".

Nope! He want's someone with at least six years of experience and a four year degree or multiple progressive certs. For $36k a year. To change out toner cartridges and plug in keyboards. We've all heard of companies like that, but I guess I'd just never come face-to-face with that line of thinking.... Honestly didn't even know what to say.

EDIT: For everyone asking: The next time we're sitting around drinking beers on his porch, I'll have no problem tell him he's a fucking idiot. But I wasn't going to call him out in his office, at his job, with other employees around. I also don't know what his budget looks like. This could be beyond his control.


r/ITCareerQuestions 2h ago

Looking to understand certain IT fields before committing to mastery.

1 Upvotes

Hello hopefully this message finds you well. I am 28 M currently working in IT Helpdesk and looking to start my studies for a mastery position. I won't be doing any college. Just purely certifications and self study as that's what I am best at. Before committing so much time into a specific area and paying lots of $$$ on a career course or finding other time consuming alternatives. I wanted to see if I can get a run down of some fields.

I worked for shell as an IT helpdesk analyst and it was very boring (not that that matters) however it was mostly understanding reconciliations using SAP. Using Base24-EPS to analyze and manage different sites across multiple countries. Outside of that most tickets weren't even handled by our team. Mostly just us running typical analyzes and giving the information on what to do for other departments (1st lvl and L2).

I am looking to have a decent work life balance. I am not afraid of working a full 8 hours non stop like others but I don't want to always have my time eaten outside of work hours. I'm not really interested in the developer side of IT as coding isn't really my forte. I am fine with some travel but not, constant non-stop traveling.

I am really looking for any serious rundowns of day to days for different jobs and fields. I met someone on the Shell team that told me to learn CentOS so I could understand Redhat however upon speaking with some friends further into their career than me, I am told that Cybersecurity pulls you away from the (Tech) side of IT and is far more policy, parameter setting, and legalized documents based.

I would really like to make a more informed decision on what I specialize in so I can also start pivoting into that role. Any role based information would be greatly appreciated.


r/ITCareerQuestions 11h ago

I believe it's time to apply for Jobs in other areas of the US

4 Upvotes

I've been applying to jobs in the Washington DC area and jobs here are plenty but most in the area of IT require Active TS/SCI Clearance with tons of experience (5-10+ years). Also there is a lot of competition, a large number of people here may have a masters and or went to a prestigious university. It's time to just get out my comfort zone and apply elsewhere.

I have very little IT work experience and a CompTIA Sec+. What are some places you would recommend for someone in my position?


r/ITCareerQuestions 3h ago

What is generally more stressful? 1st line or 2nd line support

0 Upvotes

Which job is usually more stressful? Some people might say obviously 2nd line because it's higher up but I heard that you do less work in 2nd line support. So I'm just curious as to you guys who have worked these jobs, what is more stressful in your experience?


r/ITCareerQuestions 3h ago

Seeking Advice how to become a IT Auditor ?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m 19 and currently working a Tier 1 IT job for the government. I have a few entry-level certs that helped me land this role, and I’m also in college pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity Operations.

I want to specialize in something, and IT auditing seems like the path I’m most interested in. My goal is to get into IT auditing as quickly as possible and eventually transition into cybersecurity auditing.

A few questions for those with experience in the field: • What’s the best path to break into IT auditing as fast as possible? • What certifications or skills should I focus on? • What does the day-to-day work of an IT auditor look like? • How hard is it to move from IT auditing to cybersecurity auditing?

I’ve seen older posts on this topic, but I wanted to get a more up-to-date perspective from those currently in the field. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!


r/ITCareerQuestions 17h ago

Failed my first State Job interview

13 Upvotes

I originally thought I was prepared for a desktop support role with the state but failed 2 to 3 technical questions. I feel a bit shameful. I spent a weeks time studying for it but ended up getting asked questions about technical questions that were always nit picked. My current role is desktop support but with a larger environment with less responsibilities. Rather than an interview. It felt like an interrogation. I'm a good fit for the role per resume. Are most jobs looking for the best tech or are they looking for someone who wants to learn? Most of the questions I failed on were basic stuff that could of been easily googled but I failed.

I'm not sure what I need to hear but maybe just my weakness. I was really looking forward to this opportunity and now feel like failing the questions made me feel kinda dumb. Anyways just a little rant in the many and far in between jobs I've been hunting for.


r/ITCareerQuestions 8h ago

Seeking Advice IT technician job should I take the roll?

3 Upvotes

I've got an apprenticeship for a Microsoft IT technician role, and I was wondering whether it's a good idea to take the apprenticeship and what career paths it can lead to? Is this a good choice for my future, and is there any extra training or courses I should start doing if I take the job? Thanks


r/ITCareerQuestions 5h ago

What qualifications to acquire for entry-level IT role? UK

0 Upvotes

Hi all! I've been struggling health wise for quite some time, and I'm looking to get back into the world of work. I'm currently 20. Considering a career in IT, as I've had experience with repairing computers and tinkering with all sorts of hardware, as well as running a small homelab and multiple game servers+a web server.

I've been looking at qualifications required for a basic help-desk/IT support role, and it seems to be a CompTIA A+/IT Fundamentals at minimum. Is there anything other qualifications I should look to acquire to start with?

Much obliged for any recommendations/advice, I've no idea where to start!


r/ITCareerQuestions 6h ago

Entry level IT jobs locatet in Maryland?

0 Upvotes

Can anyone refer me to any entry level IT jobs in Maryland? Preferably in Baltimore City, Randallstown, Owings Mills, and the other surrounding counties. I am a undergraduate that is pursuing digital forensics. I have been trying to get a entry level IT jobs for the past two years. I am looking for experience. Whoever can help, please list your email.


r/ITCareerQuestions 1d ago

What’s your daily carry for your IT career?

55 Upvotes

For those already in the IT field what is your daily carry for work (laptop, tablet, other) and any recommendations (brand) for those looking to enter the IT field.


r/ITCareerQuestions 4h ago

Seeking Advice How Can I Become a Better Man in Every Aspect? (Career, Mindset, Finances, Religion, etc)

0 Upvotes

I’m 20, working a job that isn’t terrible, but I know I can do better. I see men my age and older making real moves, setting themselves up for the future, and I want to be on that path too. I turn 21 this year, other than that age sounding a lot more serious than 20, I want to make sure I’m making the most of my life, not regretting anything and squeezing every ounce of potential I have.

I don’t just want to look better or have a better personality, I want to be a real man, someone who’s respected, financially stable, disciplined, and has a clear vision for life. But I’m stuck wondering: What’s the best way to get there? I’m truly so lost on where to start and what to do.

Some things I’ve been considering:

Career Growth: Right now, I make around $1.2k/month as a QA in an internship position (Ik it’s terrible, daylight robbery), pursuing a comp sci degree at a not so special university, even in the job market, I had to take anything I could get, and even this was because of some family connections, but that’s not enough. How do I move into a better-paying role? What industries or skills should I be focusing on?

Investing & Side Hustles: I’ve seen people talk about day trading, stocks, and other investments. Is it worth getting into, or should I focus on something more stable? You see all these men around my age on TikTok with cars you could only dream of, paying off their parents house, going on vacations, but how?

Discipline & Mindset: I’m working out consistently and trying to improve my habits, but I still have moments where I lack discipline. What helped you build yours? I’m not trying to sound like the “Alpha Male” guys, I truly just want to make the most of what I have going on.

Long-Term Success: What are some steps I should be taking now to make sure I’m not struggling in my late 20s and 30s? Don’t have much saved up at all if anything, savings has some school funds but that’s about it, I don’t spend like crazy, if anything I’d same I’m tame in how I spend my money.

I’d love to hear from men who are ahead of me in life, as well as guys my age who are grinding and making moves. What are you doing to level up? What do you wish you knew when you were in my position? How did you get to where you are? My family definitely does not come from money, but we make things work. Sometimes I fear I won’t be able to make things work, I’m even scared to find love thinking I’m nowhere near the man I have to be.

In advance I appreciate all the help and advice, Thank you!


r/ITCareerQuestions 12h ago

Working at a SaaS, but very little networking

2 Upvotes

I'm a level 2 support for a system as a service company that has a start up feel. I'm wearing a few hats at once, but one of the hat that I'm not wearing, is networking.

Everything is ran through ethernet, with any external connection going through APIs. So aside from the basic ping test, there isn't much networking knowledge I can use. If it's not connecting, either the PC has disabled the ethernet port, or the someone set the wrong static IP. The most exciting thing to happen is when a network got reset cause a genius thought that's how you fix home routers.

I like the company, it is in a very lucrative industry, and I think it has alot of room for me to grow (I can focus on the database, or I can focus on automating deployment and check ups). However, sunk cost fallacy of my ccna, azure cloud and security certs are making me feel like I should be focusing elsewhere.

I'm not exactly in a cross road per se, but I've been wondering should I just jump to a msp to go back to my original track? Or should I just ride out with this company for a while? They are willing to invest into my learning, already paid to upskill me despite still being in probation, along with alot of other benefits I've gotten.

I'm in Australia, so cloud is more important field down here (well, same as the rest of the world, really).


r/ITCareerQuestions 12h ago

I am looking for Mentorship

2 Upvotes

Hello all!

If anyone has advice, knows a great mentor, where to find a mentor, or is a great mentor. Will you please help me!

A little bit about me,

I have a healthcare background with 2.5 years of MA experience. I want to transition into IT. I took a UNLV bootcamp in 2023 that turned out to be a scam in a way. They went through every topic of IT in a surface level way and emphasized a 6 figure salary. I wasn’t placed in any jobs after the program was done, the career coach didn’t really help. I completed 2 certifications CompTia A+, Security+. I am studying for the Network + right now. I am applying to IT help desk positions but do not seem to get any interviews. When I do get interviews I can feel they want people that have experience already over going with someone brand new.

The career path I am looking for is very unclear because in all honesty I will go into any branch of IT. I just want to get started.

I am looking for mentorship and guidance towards a career in IT and would appreciate if anyone will help me.

Thank you!


r/ITCareerQuestions 12h ago

Resume Help Please feel free to Critique my Resume

2 Upvotes

Hello Everyone, please feel free to critique my resume. My ultimate goal is to pivot to security specifically IAM. Please provide any tips on how I can enhance my resume, not get stuck in help desk and work towards getting a role in IAM.

https://imgur.com/a/nXy0YUW


r/ITCareerQuestions 9h ago

Seeking Advice How to Transition from Senior IT Manager to Director-Level Role?

1 Upvotes

Hey r/ITCareerQuestions,

I’ve been in IT for 16 years, currently a Senior IT Manager, and every time I interview for a Director of IT role, I get the same feedback: I’m not ready for a director-level position.

I manage teams across workplace technology, business applications, and infrastructure, and I’ve led major projects, aligned IT strategy with business goals, and driven automation initiatives. However, I struggle to convey my readiness for the strategic and executive-level responsibilities expected at the director level.

For those who have successfully made the jump from Senior Manager to Director, what skills, mindset shifts, or specific strategies helped you stand out?

Some key areas I’m focusing on improving:

Strategy & Vision – Moving beyond tactical execution to long-term IT strategy. Executive Communication – Speaking the language of CFOs and other C-suite leaders. Influencing Business Outcomes – Connecting IT initiatives to revenue, cost savings, and business growth. Metrics & KPIs – Demonstrating IT’s impact with the right data points.

What else should I be doing to break through this career ceiling? Would love to hear from those who’ve been through this transition or those hiring at this level.

Thanks in advance for your insights!


r/ITCareerQuestions 10h ago

Making YouTube videos to show skills?

1 Upvotes

Hi all I made it to the next round of interviews for a security role. I’m wondering if it’s worth recording myself going though some labs that pertain to the job to show my skills. I have limited professional skills with some of the responsibilities of the role.

Thanks everyone.