Computer User Support Specialists
Computer User Support Specialists provide technical help to people experiencing computer problems. They answer questions and resolve issues related to hardware, software, printing, email, and operating systems through phone, email, or in-person assistance. Most work in corporate offices, IT departments, or support call centers.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against computer user support specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves fielding support requests from multiple users, troubleshooting software crashes and connectivity issues, walking people through installation steps, and resetting passwords. Support specialists might spend time documenting problems in ticketing systems, escalating complex issues to senior technicians, testing solutions, and following up with users to confirm fixes. Requests come continuously via phone, email, or chat throughout the day.
Who this work suits
Holland code CRI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to like this work if you're practical and detail-oriented, preferring to solve concrete problems with clear procedures. You work well following established systems and standards, and you're patient explaining technical concepts to non-technical people.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $66,410 | $80,950 | $100,730 | 3,140 |
| California | $62,790 | $79,570 | $101,780 | 74,490 |
| Washington | $60,160 | $75,220 | $92,760 | 21,860 |
| Massachusetts | $60,540 | $75,070 | $91,020 | 17,570 |
| New York | $56,510 | $72,560 | $91,150 | 39,100 |
| Colorado | $58,690 | $71,900 | $90,040 | 16,740 |
| Connecticut | $56,720 | $70,210 | $85,590 | 9,300 |
| Wyoming | $50,940 | $65,100 | $71,760 | 790 |
| Virginia | $51,460 | $65,040 | $80,870 | 20,910 |
| Maryland | $51,270 | $64,750 | $82,560 | 12,200 |
| New Jersey | $52,000 | $64,470 | $82,090 | 18,200 |
| Minnesota | $54,450 | $63,630 | $78,710 | 15,320 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist - Technical/Software Support Staff (CHTS-TS) — American Health Information Management Association
- Computer Skills Specialist — American Education Certification Association
- HDI Certified Support Center Team Lead (HDI-SCTL) — HDI
- Computer Service Technician (CST) — ETA International
- HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA) — HDI
- HDI Support Center Team Lead (HDI-SCTL) — HDI
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against computer user support specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 15-1232.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.