Average Cost of IT Support Services in Los Angeles

According to recent trends, the average price of IT support services in Los Angeles is relatively higher compared to many other regions.   

This is partly due to the city’s competitive nature and the higher costs of living and business operations associated with the area. But to gain a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of pricing, it’s helpful to investigate the specifics of the services and providers available.   

Whether you are a small business owner or head of a multinational corporation, knowing what options are available and understanding the factors that influence pricing can greatly benefit your decision-making process.  

Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) has been providing IT support for businesses in Los Angeles for 20+ years, and transparency is the key to our lasting partnerships. That’s why we’ll address your cost questions as clearly and honestly as possible.   

In this article, you’ll learn:  

• The four types of IT support services and 
• The average cost of outsourcing IT in Los Angeles  

After reading, you should be able to head into the next step of finding the right IT support for your business. 

4 Types of IT Support Services and Their Average Cost 

As a business owner, understanding the four IT service models and how much each cost is crucial to know which one you should get. Here are the four types:  

1. Break-fix IT Services

Break-fix services are suitable for one-off incidents or businesses with minimal reliance on technology. While this approach might seem cost-effective in the short term, it can lead to unexpected expenses and downtime. Small business owners should weigh the potential loss of productivity against the convenience of immediate fixes.  

Break-fix IT services average cost:  

In Los Angeles, most IT companies offering break-fix services bill between $125 and $225 per hour, and they often require a minimum commitment of 1.5 hours. Many providers also offer incentives such as a 5% to 10% discount when pre-purchasing a bundle of hours.  

2. Managed IT Services 

Most managed IT service providers (MSPs) in Los Angeles typically provide quotes based on a monthly fee structure determined by the number of devices requiring maintenance, backup, and support. These fees generally fall within the range of:  

• Regular maintenance,   
• Software updates,   
• Security monitoring, and 
• Helpdesk support  

For small businesses, MSPs act as a virtual IT department, providing expertise and support without the burden of hiring full-time staff.  

Predictable monthly costs and reduced downtime are key advantages, enabling you to focus on your core business activities while leaving the technicalities to the experts.  

Managed IT services average cost:  

Most managed IT services firms in LA charge monthly for the following: 

• $150 to $500 per server   
• $25 to $75 per desktop  
• $15 per smartphone or mobile device  
• $100 to $300 per user 

Related: Managed IT Services vs. Break-Fix: Pros and Cons  

3. Built-in Vendor IT Services 

Many small businesses rely on specific software or hardware vendors for their operations. These vendors often offer IT services tailored to their products. For instance, if you’re using specialized software for accounting, the vendor might provide IT support for installation, updates, and troubleshooting related to their software.  

Built-in vendor IT services are advantageous due to the vendor’s in-depth knowledge of their products. However, they might only cover some aspects of your IT infrastructure and can lead to fragmented support if you use multiple products from different vendors.  

Built-in vendor IT services average cost:  

The vendor price for technical support fluctuates wildly. For example, Microsoft charges $499 for one incident and $1,999 for five incidents. QuickBooks charges $59 for one incident, $89 for 90 days of support, and $299 for one year of support. Cisco support demonstrates an even wider price range, from $12.99 to $15,402 (potentially even higher).  

4. Full-time In-House IT Team  

Hiring a full-time IT team could be a strategic move for larger businesses with substantial IT needs. This team is comprised of in-house IT professionals responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and innovating your technology environment.  

Having a full-time IT team provides immediate on-site support and a deep understanding of your business’s unique IT requirements. However, it comes with higher costs, including salaries, benefits, and ongoing training.  

Full-time IT team average cost:  

According to Indeed, the average cost for a full-time IT manager in Los Angeles is $108,000 per year. Employing a full-time manager is typically advised for sizable enterprises with a staff of 250 or above.  

Need Help Choosing the Right IT Support for Your LA Business?  

Before inquiring about quotes, you must assess and identify what type of service you will need.  

For smaller businesses with limited resources, managed IT services offer a balanced solution by delivering expertise and support without the overhead of a full-time team. Meanwhile, break-fix services might suit you best if you have sporadic IT needs. But you have to be aware of the unforeseen expenses along the way.   

Those heavily reliant on specific software or hardware might benefit more from built-in vendor services – though, as mentioned, they may not cover all aspects of your IT infrastructure. On the other hand, if you are a larger business with complex IT ecosystems, you might consider investing in a full-time IT team for immediate, personalized support.  

Of course, different options offer different price ranges, but understanding the demands of your business will help you estimate your IT budget more efficiently.   

At ITS, we help hundreds of businesses understand and leverage their technology to achieve their goals. Schedule a meeting with us to learn how we can support your needs. But if you need more time to decide, the following resources might help you with your research:   

• When Should I Get Managed IT? [5 Critical Situations and Solutions]  
• 5 Best Managed IT-Service Providers in Los Angeles 
• 15 Questions to Ask When Comparing Managed IT Providers