How much should an A+ Certified Technician be paid for thier first job, with previous experience?

Question

My previous experience isn't technical. I worked at an A&W restaurant, and then at Wal-Mart. So this is my first actual tech job. I was certified this year, on June 3rd. That's not to say that I didn't have any past experience with computers in that degree, but I just needed it to be official, before I went job hunting. The place I am applying at is small, so I don't want to ask for to much or get paid to little. And this is what I was receiving as pay at the other places I mentioned:

A&W-$6.00, after a years work (no raise)
Wal-Mart-$6.65, Temporary employee

Answer 1

You have to realize that certifications, such as A+, are typically the icing to your resume. The "cake" is your performance in the interview, a college degree if you have one, and the bulk of your experience.

Perhaps back in the late 90s, the A+ certification made a real difference in pay. These days, that is rare. It has become more of a requirement for some jobs than an "extra" bonus.

The amount of pay too depends on where you live. Various states across the U.S. have different minimum wages, and of course, cities differ on the cost of living. I'd say on average, $11-12 per hour would be a good starting point in most locations. You may want to consider getting a few more certs in other areas outside of hardware, such as CCNA for networking and MCP/MCSE for Windows. That might up the ante a dollar or two.

Answer 2

the main factor for a wage is your previous wage.

Then your tech experiance and certs.

I would atleast ask for 14 bucks an hour. Woudlnt settle for anything under 11.

Thats here in southern cali. If you live here I can get you a job as a lap top tech and get paid atleast 13 if not 15 an hour starting.

Answer 3

ask an employment office what you should ask for