### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Computer Support Specialists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			computer support specialists imageSome computer support specialists, called help-desk technicians, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.							
						Quick Facts:     Computer Support Specialists2023     Median Pay
            						$60,810     per year
										$29.24     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    914,100Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    49,200What Computer Support Specialists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most computer support specialists work full time. Because computer support services may need to be available 24 hours a day, some specialists work nights or weekends.
            
                                                How to Become a Computer 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.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $71,530 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $59,240 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of computer support specialists is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 66,500 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer support specialists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer support specialists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Computer Support Specialists Do 
            

			Computer support specialistsNetwork support specialists analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks.			
Computer support specialists assist computer users and organizations. These specialists either maintain computer networks or provide technical help directly to computer users.
Duties
***Computer network support specialists*** typically do the following:
Test and evaluate existing network systems
Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly
Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systemsComputer network support specialists analyze and troubleshoot computer network problems. They have an important role in the daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance of their organization’s networks. This maintenance may be routine or part of the organization’s disaster recovery efforts. Network support specialists also may assist computer users through phone, email, or in-person visits. They often work under the direction of network and computer systems administrators, who handle more complex tasks.
***Computer user support specialists*** typically do the following:
Analyze customers’ computer problem to diagnose it and determine the cause
Document customers’ descriptions of their computer problems
Guide customers through the recommended problem-solving steps
Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices
Install and train users on new hardware or software
Inform team members and managers of major problems or of customers’ recurring concernsComputer user support specialists, also called *help-desk technicians*, usually provide technical help to non-IT computer users. They respond to requests for help in a number of ways, such as in person or by phone, online chat, or email.
Help-desk technicians solve a range of problems that vary with the industry and the particular firm. Some technicians work for large software companies or for support service firms and instruct business customers in the use of business-specific programs, such as an electronic health records program used in hospitals or physicians’ offices.
Other help-desk technicians work in call centers and take customers through a problem step by step, such as to reestablish an Internet connection or to troubleshoot Wi-Fi routers or other household IT products.
 Work Environment
			Computer support specialistsComputer support specialists work for a variety of industries.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Computer network support specialists held about 177,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of computer network support specialists were as follows:
        Computer systems design and related services
                19%Educational services; state, local, and private
                12Telecommunications
                10Government
                7Finance and insurance
                6Computer user support specialists held about 736,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of computer user support specialists were as follows:
        Computer systems design and related services
                22%Educational services; state, local, and private
                11Wholesale trade
                6Finance and insurance
                6Government
                6Some computer support specialists are able to telework. Others must be onsite or may need to travel to clients’ locations.
Work Schedules
Most computer support specialists work full time. Because computer support services may need to be available 24 hours a day, some specialists work nights or weekends.
 How to Become a Computer Support Specialist

			Computer support specialistsCommunication skills are important for computer support specialists.			
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 for either type of position may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.
Education
Education requirements for computer support specialists vary. Computer user support specialist jobs require some computer knowledge but not necessarily a college degree. Applicants who have taken courses in areas such as networking, server administration, and information security may qualify for these jobs. For computer network support specialists, employers may accept applicants who have an associate’s degree, although some prefer that applicants have a bachelor’s degree.
Large software companies that provide support to business users who buy their products or services may require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Positions that are more technical are likely to require a degree in a field such as computer and information technology or engineering. For others, the applicant’s field of degree is less important.
To keep up with changes in technology, computer support specialists may need to continue their education throughout their careers.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Certification programs are generally offered by vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge of and best practices required by computer support specialists. Companies may require their computer support specialists to hold certifications in the products the companies use. Other types of certifications, such as CompTIA A+, may be a helpful starting point for workers seeking entry into the occupation.
Advancement
Many computer support specialists advance to other information technology positions, such as information security analysts, network and computer systems administrators and software developers. Some become managers in the computer support services department. Some organizations provide paths for support specialists to move into other parts of the organization, such as sales.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.***Computer support specialists must clearly convey information, both orally and in writing. They must describe solutions to computer problems in way that nontechnical users can understand.
***Customer-service skills.*** Computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic. They often help people who are frustrated trying to use software or hardware.
***Listening skills.*** Support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions for clarification.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems and then analyze and solve them.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Computer Support SpecialistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Computer occupations$104,420  Computer network support specialists$71,530  Computer support specialists$60,810  Computer user support specialists$59,240  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $71,530 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $121,920.The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $59,240 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,690, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,020.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for computer network support specialists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Telecommunications
                $80,020Finance and insurance
                72,580Computer systems design and related services
                71,340Government
                67,600Educational services; state, local, and private
                65,100In May 2023, the median annual wages for computer user support specialists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Government
                $71,260Finance and insurance
                61,460Wholesale trade
                61,080Computer systems design and related services
                57,320Educational services; state, local, and private
                54,540Most computer support specialists work full time. Because computer support services may need to be available 24 hours a day, some specialists work nights or weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                       Computer Support SpecialistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Computer occupations14%  Computer network support specialists7%  Computer user support specialists5%  Computer support specialists5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of computer support specialists is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 66,500 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Computer support specialists will be needed to provide technical help and training to users with new hardware or software. However, this demand may be offset somewhat as organizations continue to implement automated tools, such as chatbots, for troubleshooting. This use of automation may free up some computer support specialists to handle more complex cases and troubleshooting that require attention. Some businesses, especially smaller ones with minimal information technology (IT) requirements, may find it more cost effective to contract with outside firms for these services rather than to hire computer support specialists directly.
			

                        Employment projections data for     computer support specialists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Computer support specialists**
			15-1230
			914,100
			963,300
			5
			49,200
			Get data**Computer network support specialists**
			15-1231
			177,900
			190,400
			7
			12,500
			Get data**Computer user support specialists**
			15-1232
			736,200
			772,900
			5
			36,800
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Computer network support specialists
					Computer user support specialists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of computer support specialists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Computer and Information Systems Managers**
            Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.
            Bachelor's degree
            $169,510**Computer Network Architects**
            Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
            Bachelor's degree
            $129,840**Computer Programmers**
            Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,700**Computer Systems Analysts**
            Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.
            Bachelor's degree
            $103,800**Customer Service Representatives**
            Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $39,680**Database Administrators and Architects**
            Database administrators and architects create or organize systems to store and secure data.
            Bachelor's degree
            $117,450**Network and Computer Systems Administrators**
            Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.
            Bachelor's degree
            $95,360**Information Security Analysts**
            Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
            Bachelor's degree
            $120,360**Web Developers and Digital Designers**
            Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,750
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about computer support specialists, visit
Association of Support Professionals
Help Desk Institute (HDI)
Technology Services Industry Association
For more information about computer careers, visit
Association for Computing Machinery
Computing Research Association
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
IEEE Computer Society
For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit
National Center for Women & Information Technology
Occupational Requirements Survey
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Computer user support specialists (PDF)

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Computer Network Support SpecialistsComputer User Support Specialists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Support Specialists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (visited *May 14, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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