Technical Support Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level (Tier‑1) agents earn $45,000–$60,000 annually, mid‑level (Tier‑2) range is $60,000–$80,000, senior (Tier‑3 or Support Engineer) earns $80,000–$100,000+, and managers or directors can reach $110,000–$140,000 depending on location and industry.

Hands‑on knowledge of Windows, macOS, Linux, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is essential. Certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, ITIL Foundation, Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator, and Cisco CCNA boost employability. Proficiency with ITSM tools (ServiceNow, Jira Service Management, Zendesk), remote desktop solutions (TeamViewer, LogMeIn), and scripting (PowerShell, Bash) is highly sought.

Over 70% of tech support roles now offer fully remote or hybrid arrangements. Companies prioritize 24/7 coverage, so remote agents can log on from anywhere, provided they meet security compliance and have reliable broadband.

Typical pathways start with Tier‑1 or Help Desk Analyst, advance to Tier‑2 or Support Engineer, move into Tier‑3 or Incident Response, and can lead to roles such as Solutions Architect, Technical Consultant, or Support Manager/Director. Continuous learning and certifications accelerate upward mobility.

SaaS adoption, cloud migration, AI‑powered chatbots, and automated ticket routing are redefining support. Managed services and Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) platforms drive demand for proactive monitoring, while cybersecurity threats push support teams to specialize in incident response and threat hunting.