Cisco Certified Support Technician: Is the Salary Worth It?

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

The world runs on data, and that data needs a smooth highway to travel on. That’s where IT professionals with expertise in networking come in, and Cisco certifications are a well-recognized way to validate your skills in this crucial field. The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) stands out as a crucial milestone for those venturing into the realm of Cisco technologies.

But is the salary commensurate with the effort and investment required to obtain this certification?

This blog post dives deep into the world of Cisco Certified Support Technician certification, exploring its value proposition for both aspiring IT professionals and seasoned veterans. We’ll break down key facts, statistics, and salary trends to help you decide if the CCST aligns with your career goals.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)

Before we dissect the financial aspects, let’s grasp the essence of the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification. Designed for entry-level IT professionals, the Cisco Certified Support Technician credential validates your ability to provide technical support to end-users and field technicians.

It serves as a stepping stone towards more advanced Cisco certifications, making it an ideal starting point for aspiring network engineers and IT support specialists. Whether you’re fresh out of IT school or a seasoned professional looking to expand your skill set, this post is for you. Here’s what you’ll gain:

Newcomers: Understand the fundamentals of Cisco Certified Support Technician certification and how it can jumpstart your career in Cisco technologies.
Experienced IT Professionals: Explore if the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification can enhance your resume and open doors to new opportunities.

Cisco Certified Support Technician: A Stepping Stone to Success

The Cisco Certified Support Technician certification validates your foundational knowledge of Cisco technologies and your ability to provide first-line technical support for Cisco network devices. It’s considered an entry-level certification, making it an excellent starting point for aspiring network engineers and IT support specialists.

Here’s a glimpse into what the Cisco Certified Support Technician covers:

Networking Fundamentals: Understand the core concepts of networking, including the OSI model, IP addressing, and network protocols.
Cisco Technologies: Gain a foundational understanding of Cisco devices like routers, switches, and access points.
Troubleshooting Techniques: Learn how to diagnose and resolve common network issues.
Cisco Operating Systems: Get familiar with basic Cisco IOS commands for configuration and troubleshooting.
Customer Service: Communicating effectively and empathetically with users.

Uncover more Top 17 Challenges of Youth Unemployment in the Tech Industry

Salary Landscape for CCST Professionals

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: is the salary worth pursuing a Cisco Certified Support Technician certification? The answer lies in the data;

While specific salaries depend on factors like experience, location, and industry, the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification can give your earning potential a boost. Here are some resources to help you estimate your potential salary:

Salary.com: Reports an average salary of $69,000 for Network Support Technicians in the United States.
Payscale: Shows an average salary range of $31,000 to $79,000 for Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technicians (CCENT) which is a prerequisite for Cisco Certified Support Technician

CCST vs. CCNA: What’s the Difference?

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is another popular entry-level certification but offers a broader scope compared to the CCST. While Cisco Certified Support Technician focuses on technical support, CCNA delves deeper into network configuration, design, and troubleshooting.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

Is the CCST Right for You? Here’s How to Decide

So, should you pursue the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification? Here are some factors to consider:

Your Career Goals: If your dream job involves providing first-line technical support for Cisco networks, then CCST is a perfect starting point.
Your Existing Skills: If you have some foundational knowledge of networking and Cisco technologies, CCST can validate your skills and enhance your resume.
Your Budget and Time Commitment: Earning the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification requires an investment in time and money for studying and taking the exam.

Charting Your Course in Cisco Technologies

The CCST is a valuable first step, but it’s just the beginning of your journey in Cisco technologies. Here are some potential paths you can explore after earning your CCST:

Pursue a CCNA Certification: As mentioned earlier, the CCNA offers a broader skillset and can lead to higher-paying network engineering roles. This certification dives deeper into network configuration, design, and troubleshooting, making you a more valuable asset for organizations.

Specialize in a Specific Area: Cisco offers a wide range of advanced certifications that allow you to specialize in specific networking domains. Here are a few popular options:

Security: Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) validates your expertise in securing Cisco networks.
Wireless: Cisco Certified Wireless Network Professional (CCWNP) focuses on designing, implementing, and managing wireless networks.
Data Center: Cisco Certified Data Center Associate (CCDC Associate) equips you with the skills to manage and troubleshoot data center technologies.

Uncover more Network Administrator Career Secrets: Salaries, Jobs & More

The IT field is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest technologies is crucial for long-term career success. Here are some tips for continuous learning:

Cisco Learning Network: This free resource from Cisco offers a wealth of learning materials, including tutorials, webinars, and study guides.
Online Courses: Numerous online platforms offer in-depth courses on various Cisco technologies.
Industry Blogs and Publications: Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices by following industry blogs and publications.

The Future of Cisco Technologies

Cisco remains a leader in the networking industry, and its technologies are widely used across various sectors. With the rise of cloud computing, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for skilled Cisco professionals is expected to remain strong.

Earning your Cisco Certified Support Technician certification and pursuing further certifications can position you for a rewarding career in this dynamic field.

Let’s Talk!

We hope this blog post has helped you understand the value of the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification.

Now it’s your turn to share your thoughts! Have you considered pursuing the Cisco Certified Support Technician? Are you a CCST holder who has seen a positive impact on your career? Leave a comment below and let’s start a conversation!

In Conclusion

The CCST certification offers a solid foundation for a career in IT, particularly for individuals interested in Cisco technologies. While the initial salary may not be as lucrative as some other IT certifications, the long-term prospects and career growth opportunities make it a worthwhile investment.

Whether you’re just starting your IT journey or aiming to advance your career, obtaining a Cisco Certified Support Technician certification can open doors to exciting opportunities in the ever-evolving world of technology.

FAQs

How much does a Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) typically earn?

The exact salary for a Cisco Certified Support Technician holder can vary depending on several factors, including:

Experience: Professionals with more experience in IT support or networking will generally command a higher salary.
Location: Cost of living plays a role, with salaries typically higher in major cities compared to rural areas.
Industry: Certain industries may offer higher salaries for IT professionals with specific certifications like CCST.

Uncover more Top AI Resume Editors to Craft a Winning Resume in Minutes

That being said, here are some resources to give you a general idea of the salary range for Cisco Certified Support Technician holders:

Salary.com: Reports an average salary of $52,000 for Network Support Technicians in the United States [Source: Salary.com]. (Keep in mind that CCST is a specific type of Network Support Technician, so the actual range might be slightly different)
Payscale: Shows an average salary range of $31,000 to $79,000 for Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technicians (CCENT) which is a prerequisite for Cisco Certified Support Technicians.

Does the CCST certification guarantee a higher salary?

While the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification won’t guarantee a specific salary, it can be a valuable asset on your resume and potentially increase your earning potential. Here’s why:

Validation of Skills: The CCST demonstrates your foundational knowledge of Cisco technologies and your ability to provide first-line technical support. This can make you a more attractive candidate to employers.
Increased Marketability: Having a recognized certification can give you an edge in a competitive job market.
Career Advancement: The Cisco Certified Support Technician can be a stepping stone to pursue higher-level Cisco certifications and potentially land higher-paying network engineering roles.

Is the salary increase worth the cost of getting CCST certified?

The cost-benefit analysis depends on your circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost of Certification: The exam fee and study materials can add up.
Time Commitment: Studying for the exam requires dedication and time investment.
Your Career Goals: If your goal is to become a network engineer or specialize in another area of Cisco technologies, the Cisco Certified Support Technician can be a worthwhile investment.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue the Cisco Certified Support Technician certification depends on your career aspirations and financial situation. We recommend researching current salary trends in your area and comparing them to the cost of obtaining the certification.

Author
Recent Posts

Akinpedia

Hi there! I'm Akinpedia, and I'm passionate about empowering careers through business technology. As a writer for Akinpedia, a leading business technology and career website, I strive to provide accessible and insightful content to help readers navigate the ever-changing world of technology and advance their professional journeys.

With a focus on simplicity and clarity, I aim to demystify complex concepts and offer practical advice that empowers individuals to thrive in today's digital age. Join me on this journey of learning and growth as we harness the power of business technology to unlock new opportunities and achieve our career goals together.

Discover more from Akinpedia

Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.

Feel free to express and discuss your thoughts, feedback, or personal experiences by leaving your comments in the designated section provided below. Your input is valuable and contributes to the ongoing conversation surrounding the topic at hand.

Your comments allow for a richer exchange of perspectives and experiences, providing an opportunity for others to benefit from diverse viewpoints and opinions. Your contributions help create a more inclusive and engaging discussion platform for everyone involved.