Computer User Support Specialists

Female engineer working on computer
$59,240 Median Wage (2023)
50,600 Projected job openings (2023-2033)
5.1% Projected growth (2023-2033)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

  • Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
  • 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.
  • Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
  • Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

Detailed Work Activities

  • Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
  • Test software performance.
  • Install computer software.
  • Install computer hardware.
  • Maintain computer hardware.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

  • Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
  • Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
  • Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
  • Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
  • Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
  • Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
  • 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.
  • Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
  • Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem-solving, monitoring, and installation of data communication equipment and software.
  • Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.

Work Styles

Achievement/Effort

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 28.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.