What is a Computer User Support Specialist?
Position 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.
What Do Computer User Support Specialists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
- Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
- Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem solving, monitoring, and installing data communication equipment and software.
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Skills Needed to be a Computer User Support Specialist
Computer User Support Specialists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Maintenance Technician
- PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician)
- Computer Specialist
- Automatic Data Processing Customer Liaison (ADP Customer Liaison)
- Maintenance Specialist
Is There Job Demand for Computer User Support Specialists?
There were about 636,600 jobs for Computer User Support Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Computer User Support Specialist
The average yearly salary of a Computer User Support Specialist ranges between $31,220 and $84,510.
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 |
What Tools do Computer User Support Specialists Use?
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
Becoming a Computer User Support Specialist
Are there Computer User Support Specialists education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Computer User Support Specialist?
Who Employs Computer User Support Specialists?
Computer User Support Specialists work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Computer User Support Specialist might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Computer User Support Specialist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Craig Dennis via Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license
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