What Do Computer User Support Specialist Do?
Example of Computer User Support Specialist Job 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?
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
- Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
- Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem solving, monitoring, and installing data communication equipment and software.
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Computer User Support Specialist?
These are the skills Computer User Support Specialists say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Computer User Support Specialist Jobs
- Product Support Engineer
- Customer Service Technician
- Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist)
- Sales Support Technician
- Micro Computer Specialist
Are There Job Opportunities 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 typical yearly salary for Computer User Support Specialists is somewhere between $31,220 and $84,510.
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 each U.S. state?
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
How to Become a Computer User Support Specialist
Individuals working as a Computer User Support Specialist have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer User Support Specialist?
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Computer User Support Specialist might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Computer User Support Specialist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Craig Dennis via Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license
More about our data sources and methodologies.