Computer Support Specialist: Career Information

A computer support specialist assists users who are having problems with software, computers or peripherals such as printers or scanners. Some assist companies' customers, while others provide support in-house to corporate or institutional staff. Computer support specialists are also known as technical support specialists. Those who provide help over the phone, via online chat or email, are called help desk technicians.

There were 234,600 computer support specialists employed in 2008.

The level of training required in this field varies. Some employers will only hire computer support specialists who have earned a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related subject, while others prefer those with an associate's degree or relevant experience and certifications.

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A computer support specialist must have strong communication, analytic and problem-solving skills.

After spending time helping customers or inhouse users, some customer support specialists are promoted into positions where they help improve the design and efficiency of future products. Computer support specialists who work for software and hardware companies often advance very quickly.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of computer support specialists will increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2018.

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Median annual earnings of computer support specialist were $44,300 ($21.30 hourly) in 2009.

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a computer support specialist currently earns in your city.

On a typical day a computer support specialist's tasks may include:

• Overseeing the daily performance of computer systems.
• Answering user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
• Entering commands and observing system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
• Setting up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
• Installing and performing minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
• Maintaining records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Computer Support Specialist, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos306.htm (visited November 10, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Computer Support Specialist, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/15-1041.00 (visited November 10, 2010).

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