What You Need to Know About Computer User Support Specialist
Career 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
- Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
- Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.
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Skills Needed to be a Computer User Support Specialist
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
- Customer Support Representative
- Product Support Specialist
- Computer Technician
- Computer Technologist
- Helpdesk Technician
Computer User Support Specialist Job Outlook
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.
Salary for a Computer User Support Specialist
Computer User Support Specialists make between $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 |
What Tools do Computer User Support Specialists Use?
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
How to Become a Computer User Support Specialist
Learn what Computer User Support Specialist education requirements there are.
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:
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Those who work as a Computer User Support Specialist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Craig Dennis via Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license
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