Computer User Support Specialists
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.
Also called: Computer Support Specialist · Computer Tech (Computer Technician) · Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech) · Help Desk Analyst · Help Desk Tech (Help Desk Technician) · IS Tech (Information Systems Technician)
Median pay (national)
$60,340
$38,780–$98,010 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
697,210
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-3.7%
~40,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Some college, no degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for computer user support specialists shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $98,010 versus $38,780 at the bottom 10% — 2.5x. The median of $60,340 leaves roughly 62% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -3.7% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 40,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $76,880, +27% vs the national median), while Guam sits lowest at $32,160 — a 139% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Apple iOS, Apple macOS, Firewall software, Linux as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
- Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
- Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
- Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.
- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
Tools & technology
- Apple iOS
- Apple macOS
- Firewall software
- Linux
- Microsoft Active Directory
- Microsoft Azure software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- ServiceNow
- Structured query language SQL
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management