For professionals exploring careers in IT support or those evaluating how their earnings compare in 2026, Winston‑Salem, North Carolina offers a diverse tech job market with steady demand. This guide breaks down the IT Support Specialist salary landscape in Winston‑Salem, NC, exploring salary ranges, influencing factors, experience levels, and more—offering practical insights to help you navigate your career and compensation expectations.
📊 Average IT Support Specialist Salary in Winston‑Salem, NC (2026)
In Winston‑Salem, the average annual salary for an IT Support Specialist in 2026 is approximately $56,000 to $68,000, averaging near $56,860 per year according to reported job data. Salaries can vary significantly, typically falling between $52,000 and $62,000 for many roles based on recent employer data.
| Salary Metric | Approximate Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Typical Average | ~$56,860 per year |
| Median Range (Glassdoor) | ~$54K – $84K |
| Hourly Approximation | ~$24 – $33/hr |
💡 Based on salary aggregators and employee reported data, this reflects general compensation for IT Support Specialists in Winston‑Salem as of early 2026.
🧠 Key Factors That Influence Earnings
Several factors play a major role in shaping an IT Support Specialist’s salary:
1. Experience Level
Entry‑level professionals earn less, while those with several years of experience or specialized skills command higher pay. Senior support specialists and those handling advanced responsibilities see more rapid salary growth.
2. Education & Technical Skills
Formal IT education like an associate or bachelor’s degree can increase your starting point. Technical skills like cloud support, advanced troubleshooting, network administration, and familiarity with emerging platforms enhance your value.
3. Certifications
Certifications boost credibility and salary potential. Relevant certifications include:
CompTIA A+ (Fundamental IT skills)
CompTIA Network+ (Networking fundamentals)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals / MS‑900
Cisco CCNA (Networking skills)
ITIL Foundation (Service management methodology)
4. Industry & Employer
Large tech companies, financial services, or healthcare sectors often pay higher than government and small business roles. Company size also correlates with compensation—bigger organizations may have larger budgets for IT roles.
💼 Salary by Experience Level
Experience directly impacts earnings in IT support roles. Below is an illustrative range of earnings by experience (note: approximate figures based on aggregated salary data):
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0–2 yrs) | ~ $50,000 – $57,000 |
| Mid‑Level (3–5 yrs) | ~ $57,000 – $65,000 |
| Senior (5+ yrs) | ~ $65,000 – $80,000+ |
💡 Senior IT support professionals with advanced skills and leadership responsibilities can approach the upper end of this range.
Median pay data from local salary reports suggests that while many roles cluster around the mid‑$50K to mid‑$60K range, higher totals (up to ~$84K+) are possible with experience, specialized skills, or positions with added responsibilities.
📍 Compensation Compared to Nearby Cities
Understanding Winston‑Salem’s pay in a broader regional context helps job seekers assess competitiveness:
| City | Typical IT Support Specialist Salary |
|---|---|
| Winston‑Salem, NC | ~$56,000 – $68,000 |
| Raleigh, NC | Higher (~$69K+) |
| Durham, NC | Higher (~$70K+) |
| Fayetteville, NC | Higher (~$69K+) |
In Winston‑Salem, salaries are generally modest compared to larger tech hubs like Raleigh or Durham, reflecting regional cost of living and market demand.
📈 Job Market Trends & Outlook (2026)
Growing IT Support Demand
Many businesses in Winston‑Salem across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and service sectors rely on dependable IT infrastructure and support.
Demand for tech roles remains steady: companies continue to lean on in‑house and outsourced IT support teams to maintain systems, troubleshoot issues, and support digital workflows.
Shift Toward Hybrid & Cloud Skills
As hybrid work expands and cloud platforms become more widespread, IT Support Specialists with cloud troubleshooting, cybersecurity basics, and remote admin skills are increasingly in demand.
Career Progression Opportunities
Entry roles such as Help Desk Support can lead to advanced positions like:
Network Support Specialist
Systems Administrator
IT Support Analyst
IT Project Coordinator
These roles often bring higher responsibilities and compensation growth.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Boost Salary
While many IT support roles accept a high school diploma with experience, investing in structured education and certifications greatly improves career prospects:
Educational Pathways
Associate Degree in Information Technology
Bachelor’s in Computer Science / Information Systems
Technical Bootcamps or Specialized Courses
Valuable IT Certifications
Earning the right certifications can raise your marketability and salary level:
CompTIA A+ – Core support skills
CompTIA Network+ – Networking essentials
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Cisco CCNA
ITIL Foundation
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Certifications often unlock higher‑paying jobs and demonstrate commitment to the profession.
🎁 Benefits Beyond Base Salary
IT Support Specialists can enjoy a variety of workplace benefits:
Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
Retirement Matching (401k)
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Flexible/Hybrid Work Options
Opportunities for Professional Development
Technology Stipends or Training Funds
Benefits can add significant overall value beyond base compensation.
💡 Tips to Increase Your Earning Potential
To grow your salary in Winston‑Salem:
✔ Pursue industry certifications
✔ Gain hands‑on experience through internships or freelance work
✔ Learn cloud, cybersecurity, and network system management
✔ Develop soft skills: communication and problem‑solving
✔ Target higher‑paying sectors like healthcare or tech firms
🧠 Conclusion
In 2026, being an IT Support Specialist in Winston‑Salem, NC offers a competitive salary range averaging around $56,000 – $68,000 annually, with opportunities to earn more with experience, certifications, and specialized skills. While pay may be lower compared to larger tech hubs nearby, Winston‑Salem’s cost of living and stable demand for IT support roles still make it an appealing place for IT professionals, especially those beginning their careers or aiming for growth into advanced technical positions.