When you’re searching for entry-level IT jobs, in Colorado or elsewhere, it helps to know what employers are really looking for—and what steps will make you stand out.
Plenty of applicants can list general computer skills or assert that they’re good with technology. But what makes hiring managers actually take notice are candidates who:
- Show proof of technical ability through recognized credentials like CompTIA A+ certification.
- Have real, hands-on experience solving IT problems instead of just studying them.
- Communicate clearly and professionally, especially when explaining technical issues to non-technical people.
- Come prepared and confident in interviews, showing you understand what the role requires and how you can add value.
If you can already demonstrate those things, you’re in a strong position to get hired. But if you can’t, you’ll need to build these abilities before most employers will seriously consider your application.
That’s where Climb Hire’s free IT Support program can help.
Climb Hire is a nonprofit organization that helps low-income working adults gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to launch new careers in tech.
We offer a six-month IT Support program that helps you train for CompTIA A+ certification, build practical experience through real-world projects, and strengthen your communication skills so you’re confident in interviews. On top of that, we provide extensive job support to help you land not just any job, but a lucrative and fulfilling entry-level IT role.
And the results speak for themselves: over 80% of Climb Hire alumni find jobs within a year of completing the program.
In this article, we explain exactly what it really takes to stand out for entry-level IT roles—and how Climb Hire helps you build the skills, experience, and professional network that make getting hired faster and easier.
We’ll also list popular entry-level IT jobs in Colorado, including day-to-day responsibilities, the type of credentials you’ll need, and entry-level salary.
Learn more about Climb Hire’s free IT Support program and take the first step toward landing an IT job.
Climb Hire: Get the skills and support to land an entry-level IT job
Climb Hire helps working adults build the technical skills, experience, and connections to start a tech career through our free IT Support program. We’re able to offer it for free to all students, thanks to the generous support of donors and community partners.
The program takes just six months to complete, giving you everything you need to qualify for entry-level tech jobs and start applying with confidence.
Our focus is on teaching what will actually help you get hired: the technical knowledge to pass the CompTIA A+ exams, the hands-on experience to solve real IT problems, and the soft skills to stand out with employers.
Here’s what you can expect as a Climb Hire learner:
- Guided training for CompTIA A+ certification that builds your technical foundation.
- Live, online classes led by experienced instructors who support you every step of the way.
- Hands-on projects and labs that let you practice solving real IT issues.
- Soft skill development to strengthen communication and teamwork.
- Extensive career coaching and job placement support after graduation.
- A strong professional network that connects you to hiring opportunities and people who can help you get your first IT job.
IT training that leads directly to CompTIA A+ certification
Our program fully prepares you for CompTIA A+ certification, one of the main credentials hiring managers look for when filling entry-level IT roles.
This certification shows employers that you understand the core concepts of computer systems, networking, and troubleshooting—and that you can apply that knowledge effectively in a professional environment.
Throughout the program, you’ll cover every major topic included on the two CompTIA A+ exams (Core 1 and Core 2), including how to:
- Troubleshoot and resolve common hardware and software problems
- Set up and maintain computers, mobile devices, and operating systems like macOS, Microsoft, and Linux
- Configure and monitor networks to ensure stable, secure connections
- Identify and prevent security risks to protect data and systems
CompTIA A+ certification typically costs over $500, but with Climb Hire, you won’t pay a thing—we cover the exam fees. You can also choose to earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, an additional credential that helps your resume stand out to employers.
CompTIA A+ certification is widely accepted by employers in place of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree for many entry-level IT roles—and with Climb Hire, you can earn it in just six months, completely free.
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Remote learning from instructors who teach in real time
Our classes are live and online, giving you the flexibility to join from anywhere as long as you’re a resident of Colorado or California.
Every session is led by field experts who teach, answer questions, and guide you through complex topics step by step. You’ll get the same structure and accountability of an in-person classroom, without the time or cost of commuting.
The program runs for six months, with a total commitment of about 20 hours per week. You’ll spend roughly nine hours each week in live sessions with instructors and classmates, and another eleven hours completing projects, labs, and assignments on your own time.
Classes are intentionally small, so you’ll have space to ask questions and get individual feedback when you need it. Instructors make sure you truly understand each concept before moving on, helping you build confidence as you go.
Hands-on projects that build real IT experience
Our classes emphasize hands-on learning through labs, simulations, and real-world scenarios. You’ll practice setting up and maintaining devices, diagnosing technical issues, and supporting users just like you would in a help desk or IT support role.
You’ll also take part in group projects that imitate how IT teams operate in real companies. This helps you build not only the skills but the confidence you’ll need to handle live situations in the workplace.
By the time you finish the program, you’ll have actual experience under your belt. That means projects and results you can reference during interviews to show employers you’re already prepared to step in and contribute.
Workplace skills that strengthen your career readiness
Technical skills prove you can do the job, but soft skills help you get the job. During interviews, employers pay close attention to how you communicate, problem-solve, and connect on a human level.
Our program incorporates soft skills development during class time, helping you build the interpersonal and communication skills that make you a confident job candidate. This includes things like how to clearly explain technical processes, handle tough questions, and stay calm under pressure.
You’ll also practice active listening and collaboration—skills that help you build rapport with interviewers and stand out as someone who’s easy to work with.
Plus, these are the same skills that will help you thrive once you’re hired—especially in IT support, where much of the job involves working with people as much as with technology.
One-on-one support to help you navigate the job market
Once you complete the training, Climb Hire continues to work with you as you transition into the job market. Throughout the initial six months after you graduate, you’ll receive personalized career coaching from a Career Development Advisor who helps you:
- Build a professional resume and LinkedIn profile that highlight your technical skills and experience, plus your transferable skills
- Prepare for interviews through mock sessions and constructive feedback
- Identify IT support roles that align with your strengths and interests
- Develop an organized job search plan and stay consistent in your applications
All of this support aims to make the process less overwhelming and ensure you have the structure and feedback you need to find a job that fits your career goals.
Career connections that lead to real opportunities
Climb Hire connects you to a broad professional network that extends beyond the program.
You’ll meet classmates, alumni, mentors, and other IT professionals who work at tech companies and organizations across Colorado and the US. Many of these connections are established through employer partnerships and hiring events, which provide direct exposure to people already working in the field.
Unlike searching for jobs on your own, this network connects you with people already working in IT—professionals who can share openings, make referrals, and help you get your foot in the door.
Roughly 77% of Climb Hire graduates identify the community as one of the most valuable aspects of the program.
For example, alum Keeona Muñoz says the relationships she built through the program gave her a level of support she didn’t have before:
“I’ve definitely grown a ton. I’ve made more connections than I’ve been able to make on my own—and having that social capital and making new friends has definitely helped.”
Beyond the network, you’ll also have access to career tools and resources that make your job search easier, including:
- A one-year LinkedIn Premium membership to connect directly with recruiters and hiring managers
- The Climb Hire Alumni Portal, which features curated job listings, application tracking tools, and organized search resources
This combination of training, resources, and professional relationships has led to over 80% of Climb Hire alumni finding jobs within a year of completing the program. These are usually full-time IT positions that offer strong pay and growth potential.
Note: To join Climb Hire, you must be a California or Colorado resident ages 24–40 earning $30k or less per year.
Ready to land an entry-level IT job in Colorado? Sign up to be notified when applications open for Climb Hire’s free IT Support program.
5 entry-level IT jobs to start your tech career in Colorado
Graduates of Climb Hire’s IT Support program enter the job market with a real advantage. Along with your CompTIA A+ certification and practical experience, you’ll have a network of industry connections that helps you discover openings and get hired faster.
What’s more, IT support service positions offer solid starting points for advancing into specialized areas such as senior-level cybersecurity manager, systems administrator, or systems engineer.
Entry-level IT jobs are especially common in Colorado’s larger cities, including Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. However, more and more opportunities are also appearing in nearby areas such as Aurora, Broomfield, Centennial, and Lakewood as local businesses expand their tech operations. Many companies now offer remote options as well, so you can find IT support roles across the state.
Below are five common entry-level IT jobs in Colorado, including what employers expect from candidates and typical starting pay.
1. IT support technician
This role is one of the most common first steps into information technology.
IT support technicians troubleshoot hardware and software issues, reset accounts, and make sure employees or customers stay connected and productive.
Most employers look for a CompTIA A+ certification or equivalent work experience along with strong communication skills, as the job often involves explaining technical fixes in plain language.
- Typical starting pay: $50k to $71k per year (Glassdoor)
2. Field service technician
Field service technicians travel to offices, schools, homes, or data centers to install or repair hardware and troubleshoot on-site connectivity problems. The role combines hands-on technical ability with strong communication skills to ensure customer satisfaction during each visit.
Many employers want technical support staff who are just as comfortable explaining fixes to clients as they are configuring devices. CompTIA A+ certification and a valid driver’s license are usually required.
- Typical starting pay: $50k to $74k per year (Glassdoor)
3. IT service desk specialist
Service or help desk technicians handle incoming tickets, document recurring issues, and provide quick solutions to users who need help at a specific company. They may also coordinate with senior technicians to address complex system or network problems.
CompTIA A+ certification and good communication skills will help you stand out to hiring managers, as both show you can solve problems while keeping users informed and supported.
- Typical starting pay: $54k to $75k per year (Glassdoor)
4. Computer support technician
Computer support technicians—also known as desktop support technicians—help keep workplace technology running smoothly by setting up new devices, installing software, and handling routine system maintenance. They also assist end-users with login or connectivity issues.
Hiring managers usually prefer candidates who hold CompTIA A+ certification and can show troubleshooting expertise through hands-on experience.
- Typical starting pay: $49k to $69k (Glassdoor)
5. Network support specialist
Network support specialists help keep a company’s connectivity reliable and secure. They monitor network performance, troubleshoot slow connections or outages, and assist with hardware issues.
Employers typically look for candidates with CompTIA A+ and Network+ certification or years of experience with network setup and maintenance as an alternative to a computer science degree.
- Typical starting pay: $58k to $87k (Glassdoor)
Get the skills that make you hireable in IT with Climb Hire
To secure an entry-level IT job in Colorado, you’ll need to show employers proof that you have both the technical expertise and practical experience to solve problems on the spot and communicate clearly.
Climb Hire helps you build exactly that. Through our free, six-month IT Support program, you’ll:
- Earn the CompTIA A+ certification employers expect to see on resumes.
- Gain real experience through hands-on projects.
- Strengthen the professional skills that make you stand out in interviews.
- Gain access to a professional network that opens doors to job opportunities.
Take the first step toward landing your first IT job in Colorado now. Get notified when the next session of Climb Hire’s IT Support program opens.