Hot IT jobs in the Upstate

As technology continues to advance and move businesses forward, IT professionals are in as much demand as ever in the Upstate.

“We’re definitely seeing a need for more IT professionals in Greenville,” said Josh Morris, Greenville division director for Robert Half Technology, a specialized staffing firm for technology professionals. “Deskside support, help desk analysts and network administrators are the top jobs in demand right now.”

Morris said that Upstate companies are growing and able to bring in full-time IT professionals, when in the past they may have not had the budget to do so. Network security is a huge priority for most companies and it takes technical, hands-on IT people.

“Upstate companies are willing to pay for top talent,” says Morris. IT salaries are increasing and counteroffers are becoming more common to try to keep existing employees. “On a national level, we’re seeing a 5.3 percent increase in IT salaries,” he said. “The Upstate is about 92 percent of the national level, but it’s still very competitive.”

While Morris couldn’t provide specific numbers, he said Robert Half Technology has “a lot of IT positions open” and there is a shortage of IT professionals. “There are a lot of options. It’s a great time to be in technology in the Upstate,” he said.

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Top three IT jobs in the Upstate with salary range

Desktop Support Analyst – $45K-70K

Candidates should have extensive experience with desktop hardware, software applications, operating systems and network connectivity. They must be customer service oriented and proactive in anticipating and resolving problems while maximizing efficient use of computing resources.

Typical duties:

Maintaining an inventory of installed software, managing software licensing and creating policies and procedures for upgrades

Working with hardware and software vendors to verify timely product delivery and ensuring that new equipment is installed and ready to operate on schedule

Analyzing and making recommendations for hardware and software standardization

Creating user accounts and managing access control based on company policies

Help Desk Analyst (Tier 2) – $42K-57K

Excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills, along with patience, a customer-friendly attitude and the ability to work in a team environment. Tier 1 is typically entry-level. Tier 2 positions typically require 2-4 years of experience and may require a bachelor’s degree or two year or equivalent experience in a help desk setting.

Typical duties:

Resolving more complex issues requiring detailed systems and applications knowledge; these issues have been escalated from Tier 1

Deciding whether to generate a trouble or work-order ticket for issues that will require a visit to the user’s PC or workstation.

Network Security Administrator – $95K-135K

Strong technical background, including working knowledge of network management protocols, networking architecture, authentication practices and security administration. It is important that candidates keep abreast of industry security trends and developments, as well as applicable government regulations. They also should have excellent trouble shooting and communication skills.

Typical duties:

Implementing network security policies and procedures

Administering and maintaining firewall

Managing, monitoring and updating malware prevention systems

Monitoring security advisory groups to ensure all necessary network security updates, patches and preventive measures are in place

Preventing and detecting intrusion

Performing intrusion detection analysis

Source: Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide

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