How to become a Computer User Support Specialist

Official title: Computer User Support Specialists

Also called: Computer Support Specialist, Computer Tech (Computer Technician), Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech), Help Desk Analyst, Help Desk Tech (Help Desk Technician), IS Tech (Information Systems Technician), IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist), IT Support Specialist (Information Technology Support Specialist), IT Tech (Information Technology Technician), Technical Support Specialist

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.

Main tasks

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

How to become one

Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate's degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.

Typical education to start: Some college, no degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Cloud Operations Specialist 1.
• Apprenticeship: Computer Support Specialist.
• Apprenticeship: Computer Support Specialist-Desktop Support Tech.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $61,860 a year The middle half earn $49,000 to $79,040.
• About 750,600 people work in this job now, and about 724,400 are projected by 2035. (-3.5%)
• People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Related jobs

• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Computer Programmers
• Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Health Informatics Specialists
• Information Security Analysts

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Computer User Support Specialist?

Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate's degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.

How much does a Computer User Support Specialist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $61,860 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $49,000 to $79,040.

Is a Computer User Support Specialist a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to fall 3% by 2035, from about 750,600 to about 724,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Computer User Support Specialist?

Not always. 50% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Cloud Operations Specialist 1.

Will AI change the work of a Computer User Support Specialist?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.