Computer User Support Specialists
SOC code 15-1232 · O*NET-SOC 15-1232.00 · Medium preparation needed · Computer and IT
Computer user support specialists are the help desk: diagnosing problems, resetting, configuring, and translating between users and systems. It is the classic entry point into IT — certifications rather than degrees open the door — and the natural moves are into network, systems or security roles.
Computer User Support Specialists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$61,860
a year
Hourly
$29.74
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$67,330
$32.37 per hour
Middle 50%
$49,000 – $79,040
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$40,980 – $100,540
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
717,190
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $40,980
- $19.70/hr
- 25th percentile
- $49,000
- $23.56/hr
- Median percentile
- $61,860
- $29.74/hr
- 75th percentile
- $79,040
- $38.00/hr
- 90th percentile
- $100,540
- $48.34/hr
What does a computer user support specialist do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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 a computer user support specialist
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree47%
- Post-Secondary Certificate32%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.4%
Common questions
How much does a computer user support specialist earn?
The national median is $61,860 a year. The full range runs from $40,980 at the 10th percentile to $100,540 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a computer user support specialist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Writing3.5/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
- Learning Strategies3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics4.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- Telecommunications3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Mechanical3.7/5
- Engineering and Technology3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.