Computer User Support Specialists

At a Glance

Median Salary
$44,983

Local Jobs
669

Entry-Level Education
High School

Occupation Profile

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.

By The Numbers

Median Annual Earnings

$44,983

Median Annual Earnings are the midpoint earned by 50 percent of workers who are the lowest paid and 50 percent of workers who are the highest paid in a particular occupation

Local Jobs

669

Jobs are any position in which a worker provides labor in exchange for monetary compensation (note: one individual may hold multiple jobs)

Entry-Level Education

High School

This is the most common education level requested in entry-level job listings.

Daily Tasks

Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.

Occupational Skills

What skills are necessary for Computer User Support Specialists?

Hard Skills

Active Directory
Computer Hardware
Computer Science
Customer Support
Desktop Support
Help Desk Support
Issue Tracking
Operating Systems
Peripheral Devices
Technical Support

Soft Skills

Communications
Customer Service
Information Technology
Management
Microsoft Office
Multitasking
Operations
Problem Solving
Troubleshooting
Valid Driver's License

Hard skills are specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Soft skills can be self-taught and usually do not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Education Programs

Del Mar College