Computer & Mathematical
Computer User Support Specialists
Also called: Computer Support Specialist, Computer Tech (Computer Technician), Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech), Help Desk Analyst
US median pay
$61,860
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-3.5%
declining
Openings a year (US)
39,700
750,600 employed
Typical entry education
Some college, no degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Service Orientation3.1/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics4.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- Telecommunications3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Mechanical3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Some college, no degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree47%
- Post-secondary certificate32%
- Associate's degree14%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.