Computer User Support Specialists

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

• Computer Support Specialist
• Computer Tech (Computer Technician)
• IS Tech (Information Systems Technician)
• IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist)

Alternate Job Titles

• Application Customer Service Representative (Application CSR)
• Application Support Engineer
• Applications Analyst
• Automatic Data Processing Customer Liaison (ADP Customer Liaison)
• Call Center Support Representative (Call Center Support Rep)
• Cloud Operations Specialist
• Computer Customer Support Specialist
• Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech)
• Computer Help Desk Representative (Computer Help Desk Rep)
• Computer Help Desk Specialist
• Computer Lab Assistant (Computer Laboratory Assistant)
• Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech)
• Computer Operator
• Computer Specialist
• Computer Support Specialist

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
• Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Computers and Electronics
• Customer and Personal Service
• Telecommunications
• English Language
• Education and Training
• Mechanical
• Engineering and Technology
• Administration and Management

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Active Listening
3. Speaking
4. Critical Thinking
5. Complex Problem Solving

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Near Vision
• Information Ordering
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Dependability
• Attention to Detail
• Cooperation
• Perseverance
• Intellectual Curiosity

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Relationships
• Working Conditions
• Achievement
• Support
• Independence

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Creative Cloud software
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• AJAX
• Amazon Redshift
• Amazon Web Services AWS software
• Ansible software
• Apache Cassandra

Tools & Equipment

• Computer tool kits
• Desktop computers
• Digital tapes
• Mainframe computers
• MS-DOS-bootable disks
• Multi-line telephone systems
• Network analyzers
• Notebook computers
• Power meters
• Punchdown tools
• Redundant array of independent disks RAID systems
• Reflectometers
• Screwdrivers
• Wire crimpers

Work Environment

• E-Mail
• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Telephone Conversations
• Freedom to Make Decisions

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$38,780
Median	$60,340
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$98,010

Workers Employed Nationally: 697,210

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.