What You Need to Know About Computer User Support Specialist
Occupation Description Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, or 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.
Life As a Computer User Support Specialist: What Do They Do?
- Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
- Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
- Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
- Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
Computer User Support Specialist Skills
When polled, Computer User Support Specialists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Computer User Support Specialist Job Titles
- Help Desk Manager
- Customer Support Representative
- Microcomputer Technician
- Maintenance Specialist
- Information Technology Technician (IT Technician)
Is There Job Demand for Computer User Support Specialists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 636,600 jobs in the United States for Computer User Support Specialist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 72,100 new jobs for Computer User Support Specialist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 55,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Computer User Support Specialist are Utah, Washington, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Ohio, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Computer User Support Specialist Make?
The salary for Computer User Support Specialists ranges between about $31,220 and $84,510 a year.
Computer User Support Specialists who work in District of Columbia, California, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Computer User Support Specialists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $49,120 |
| Alaska | $57,270 |
| Arizona | $52,090 |
| Arkansas | $42,180 |
| California | $66,350 |
| Colorado | $60,440 |
| Connecticut | $59,990 |
| Delaware | $58,780 |
| District of Columbia | $71,020 |
| Florida | $49,260 |
| Georgia | $53,090 |
| Hawaii | $47,990 |
| Idaho | $48,990 |
| Illinois | $53,020 |
| Indiana | $46,990 |
| Iowa | $49,100 |
| Kansas | $45,360 |
| Kentucky | $48,700 |
| Louisiana | $47,570 |
| Maine | $51,930 |
| Maryland | $54,880 |
| Massachusetts | $63,860 |
| Michigan | $50,640 |
| Minnesota | $55,560 |
| Mississippi | $46,670 |
| Missouri | $47,600 |
| Montana | $46,060 |
| Nebraska | $49,660 |
| Nevada | $51,330 |
| New Hampshire | $52,360 |
| New Jersey | $65,260 |
| New Mexico | $43,190 |
| New York | $60,160 |
| North Carolina | $52,510 |
| North Dakota | $53,020 |
| Ohio | $50,180 |
| Oklahoma | $46,710 |
| Oregon | $53,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,370 |
| Rhode Island | $56,660 |
| South Carolina | $47,040 |
| South Dakota | $38,860 |
| Tennessee | $49,340 |
| Texas | $52,250 |
| Utah | $50,000 |
| Vermont | $51,170 |
| Virginia | $58,290 |
| Washington | $62,180 |
| West Virginia | $44,290 |
| Wisconsin | $51,810 |
| Wyoming | $51,020 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Computer User Support Specialists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer User Support Specialists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
How to Become a Computer User Support Specialist
Learn what Computer User Support Specialist education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Computer User Support Specialist?
Where Computer User Support Specialists Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Computer User Support Specialists employed by various industries.
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References:
Image Credit: Craig Dennis via Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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