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
$60,340
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
$38,780
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,580
25th percentile
Median
$60,340
50th percentile
Experienced
$77,010
75th percentile
Top Earners
$98,010
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,780
25th
$47,580
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$60,340
Mean: $64,990
75th
$77,010
90th
$98,010
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $59,230 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,580 and $77,010
- •Salary spread is 48.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 697,210 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 Services30.2%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services30.2%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services22.6%
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
70,920 jobs$76,8700.87x
Texas
61,290 jobs$55,3200.98x
Florida
48,780 jobs$58,1201.10x
New York
41,260 jobs$63,9100.96x
Pennsylvania
29,220 jobs$58,1301.07x
Georgia
26,900 jobs$57,1601.23x
Illinois
25,370 jobs$56,5400.93x
Ohio
22,090 jobs$53,5000.88x
Michigan
21,970 jobs$56,1101.11x
North Carolina
21,730 jobs$58,6600.98x
Washington
20,450 jobs$68,6401.28x
Arizona
20,400 jobs$61,9901.41x
Virginia
20,300 jobs$63,4201.10x
New Jersey
19,930 jobs$65,8101.04x
Massachusetts
19,570 jobs$75,6701.19x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Learning Strategies
54%
#9
Monitoring
46%
#10
Service Orientation
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Learning Strategies
basic2.7
54%
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
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Learning Strategies
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Service Orientation
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
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
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Learning Strategies
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
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
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