Computer user support specialists

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.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in 

jobs.

In 2023, more than basic people skills were required for 94.8 percent of computer user support specialists, and basic 

people skills were required for 5.2 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of computer user support specialists with cognitive and mental 

requirements, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Pace: Pause control 84.1 15.9

Interaction with general public 65.5 34.5

Working around crowds <0.5 >99.5

Telework 36.9 63.1

Work review: Supervising others 2.6 97.4

Work review: Presence of supervisor 56.6 43.4

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and 

experience requirements

The minimum level of formal 

education required, credentials 

necessary, on-the-job training, 

and prior work experience 

necessary for average 

performance in jobs.

In 2023, credentials were required 

for 29.7 percent of computer user 

support specialists. Prior work 

experience was required for 70.2 

percent and on-the-job training 

was required for 80.9 percent.

A high school diploma was 

required for 44.5 percent of 

computer user support specialists.
Occupational Requirements Survey ●www.bls.gov/ors ●orsinfo@bls.gov ●202.691.6199

Environmental conditions

The various tangible or concrete hazards 

or difficulties that are in the vicinity of 

where jobs’ critical tasks are performed.

In 2023, greater than 99.5 percent of 

computer user support specialists were 

not exposed to extreme cold, and greater 

than 99.5 percent were not exposed to 

extreme heat. Wetness was not present 

for greater than 99.5 percent, greater than 

99.5 percent were not exposed to heavy 

vibrations, and 97.3 percent were not 

exposed to the outdoors.

Physical demands

Refer to the physical activities 

required to perform tasks in jobs. 

The presence and, in some cases, 

duration of these activities are 

published.

In 2023, keyboarding was required 

for greater than 99.5 percent of 

computer user support specialists 

and was not required for less than 

0.5 percent. For less than 0.5 

percent of workers, keyboarding 

was seldom performed, for 15.6 

percent keyboarding occurred 

occasionally, 72.6 percent 

frequently, and for 11.8 percent 

keyboarding occurred constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for 50.4 percent of computer user support specialists and was not 

required for 49.6 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 78.4 percent of computer user support 

specialists. On average, workers spent 81.8 percent of the workday sitting and 18.2 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of computer user support specialists with physical demands, 2023

Requirement Yes No

Choice of sitting or standing 78.4 21.6

Driving 21.9 78.1

Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs 13.4 86.6

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey