Computer User Support Specialists

Overview

Computer User Support Specialists has a national median salary of $61,860 per year, with -3.5% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists some college, no degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Work Values

• Relationships
• Working Conditions
• Achievement

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
• Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
• Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
• Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
• Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Getting Information
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Processing Information
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists some college, no degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for some college, no degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Computer User Support Specialists:

Video Resources