Computer Support Specialist

What is this job like?		Back to Top

When people have computer trouble, they ask these workers for help.

Computer support specialists help people use computers. When something goes wrong, support specialists figure out why. Then, they try to fix it.

Many support specialists answer questions over the phone or by e-mail. Others also help people face-to-face. To answer a problem over the phone, the specialist takes the person through the necessary steps to fix the problem using their own computer.

Computer support specialists also install printers, software, and other computer tools. Then, they teach people how to use them. Sometimes, they write instruction books.

Some specialists check computer systems every day to make sure they are working well.

To be good at these jobs, workers need to be good listeners and good at solving problems.

Computer specialists may work for the company that makes the computer software or for the place that uses certain computer software, such as a school. They may assist other employees at the company or the customers of that company. They also may be asked by the maker of the software for feedback on good or bad things about the product, since they work with it daily.

Most computer specialists work in offices or computer labs. They spend a long time sitting in front of computers. This can strain their back, wrists, and eyes.

Computer specialists normally work a 40-hour work week, but that can include being "on call" by phone when they are not on their shift. Some specialists work at night or on weekends.

How do you get ready?		Back to Top

There are many ways to become a computer support specialist. Having a degree might make it easier to get jobs. Some people earn an associate degree. Some employers prefer to hire people who earn a bachelor's degree.

Passing a certification test is another way to prepare for jobs. Computer companies and associations offer these tests.

Experience working with computers is also important.

Workers need to learn new computer skills throughout their careers.

If you are interested in this job, you can start getting ready now by learning about computers in school, in the library, or on your own.

Studying math is also important because it helps people learn to solve problems. Learning to read and speak well is useful, too.

How much does this job pay?		Back to Top

In 2006, the middle half of these workers earned between $32,110 and $53,640. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $25,290. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $68,540.

How many jobs are there?		Back to Top

In 2006, there were about 552,000 computer support specialists. They worked in businesses, schools, government, and many other places.

What about the future?		Back to Top

More of these workers will be needed because the number of computers and their level of complexity are rising. Workers will also be needed to teach people how to use new tools and programs.

In fact, support specialist jobs are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations between 2006 and 2016.

Computer support specialists who have a strong background in computers and are up to date with the latest skills will have the best chance of getting a job.

Are there other jobs like this?		Back to Top

• Computer programmers
• Computer scientists
• Computer software engineers
• Database administrators
• Systems analysts

Where can you find more information?		Back to Top

More BLS information about computer support specialists and systems administrators can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job.

Last Modified Date: April 29, 2008