What Do Computer User Support Specialist Do?
Job 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
- Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem solving, monitoring, and installing data communication equipment and software.
- 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.
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
- Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
Featured schools near , edit
What a Computer User Support Specialist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Computer User Support Specialists say are important on the job.
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
- Computer Help Desk Specialist
- PC Installation Engineer (Personal Computer Installation Engineer)
- Customer Support Professional
- Information Technology Associate (IT Associate)
- Desktop Support
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. There will be an estimated 55,500 positions for Computer User Support Specialist per 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.
Average Computer User Support Specialists Salary
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.
How much do Computer User Support Specialists make 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
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Computer User Support Specialists may use on a daily basis:
- 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
What kind of Computer User Support Specialist requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer User Support Specialist?

Who Employs Computer User Support Specialists?

Below are examples of industries where Computer User Support Specialists work:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Computer User Support Specialist may also be interested in:
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
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |