Computer User Support Specialists

Also Called: Computer Support Specialist, Computer Technician, Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Support Specialist

What Computer User Support Specialists do

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.

  • Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
  • Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
  • Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
Industry Areas:

Finance and Business Information Technology

Training Program Areas:

Computer Networking/CISCO • Computer Technician • Network Cable Installation • OCT-Only Finance & Business • OCT-Only Information Technology • Office Administration

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Contact With Others
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Telephone
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Tools

  • Hard disk arrays
  • Floppy disks
  • Punches or nail sets or drifts
  • Tape arrays
  • Special purpose telephones

Technology

Web platform development software
Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC
Spring Framework
Data base user interface and query software
Blackboard software
Transact-SQL
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows Server
Red Hat Enterprise Linux

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Business
customer service
Arts and Humanities
English language
Communications
telecommunications

Education

  • % Bachelor's degree
  • % High school diploma or equivalent
  • % Some college, no degree

Experience

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.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Stress Tolerance

Values

  • Relationships
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Computer User Support Specialists across the country typically make.

$18.12 / hour
$37,690 /year

Entry Level

$28.48 / hour
$59,240 /year

Median Level

$46.65 / hour
$97,020 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

Search Jobs