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.
Computer User Support Specialists
SOC: 15-1232 O*NET: 15-1232.00
Median Salary
$61,860
per year
Job Growth
📉 -3.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
40.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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 does a Computer User Support Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$40,980
10th percentile
Early Career
$49,000
25th percentile
Median
$61,860
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,040
75th percentile
Top Earners
$100,540
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$40,980
25th
$49,000
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$61,860
Mean: $67,330
75th
$79,040
90th
$100,540
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $59,560 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $49,000 and $79,040
- •Salary spread is 48.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 717,190 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:729,500
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services29.5%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services22%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-3.7%
Annual Openings:40,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)729,500
Current
2034 (Projected)702,500
-3.7%
-27,000
Employment Change
-3.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Computer User Support Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
74,490 jobs$79,5700.89x
Texas
72,030 jobs$59,4901.11x
Florida
51,220 jobs$58,7401.12x
New York
39,100 jobs$72,5600.88x
Pennsylvania
30,560 jobs$58,6701.09x
Illinois
26,060 jobs$59,8600.93x
Georgia
25,980 jobs$60,4401.15x
North Carolina
23,100 jobs$60,1201.01x
Ohio
22,370 jobs$59,7200.87x
Michigan
22,090 jobs$56,2401.09x
Washington
21,860 jobs$75,2201.33x
Virginia
20,910 jobs$65,0401.10x
Arizona
18,780 jobs$61,4101.26x
New Jersey
18,200 jobs$64,4700.92x
Massachusetts
17,570 jobs$75,0701.05x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Computers and Electronics
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Customer and Personal Service
94%
#5
Reading Comprehension
94%
#6
Oral Comprehension
92%
#7
Speaking
86%
#8
Telecommunications
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
English Language
80%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Computers and Electronics
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Telecommunications
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Computers and Electronics
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Telecommunications
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Education and Training
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Physician Assistants82%
5 shared skills
Anthropologists and Archeologists82%
5 shared skills
Archivists82%
5 shared skills
Child, Family, and School Social Workers82%
5 shared skills
Dietitians and Nutritionists82%
5 shared skills
Emergency Medicine Physicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Telecommunications
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Learning Strategies
- →Mechanical
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Computers and Electronics
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Telecommunications
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Computers and Electronics
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Telecommunications
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Computer User Support Specialists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechSpring Boot
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechSlack
🔥 Hot TechSplunk Enterprise
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechBentley MicroStation
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Docker
GitHub
Spring Boot
Tableau
Slack
Splunk Enterprise
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (5)Planning & Development (3)Operations & Execution (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Management & Supervision (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution88% perform92%
6
Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision79% perform86%
9
Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Computer User Support Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Computer User Support Specialists professionals typically have a CRI Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
RRealistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Computer User Support Specialists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.61
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.59
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.57
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.49
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.40
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.35
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Integrity
4.6
Dependability
4.6
Cooperation
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Independence
4.2
Concern for Others
4.2
Persistence
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Computer User Support Specialists.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 322 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 5 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: TX (42) , MO (21) , SC (21) , GA (19) , CA (18)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Computer User Support Specialists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.8k program completions/year
MyComputerCareer at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
1.8k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.4k program completions/year
MyComputerCareer at Columbus
Columbus, OH
1.2k program completions/year
MyComputerCareer at Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
1.1k program completions/year
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Louisville, KY
1.0k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.0k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
718 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
716 program completions/year
Gwinnett Technical College
Lawrenceville, GA
626 program completions/year
Northshore Technical Community College
Lacombe, LA
595 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
546 program completions/year