Computer User Support Specialists

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Career Profile

Computer User Support Specialists

What they 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.

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, 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

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$39,920
Starting Salary (2025)
$59,770
Median Salary (2025)
-3.7%
Projected Job Growth
13,510
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Cooperation
Initiative
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Common Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job 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.

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.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 47%
  • Post-secondary certificate 32%
  • Associate's degree 14%
  • Professional degree 4%
  • Some college 2%
  • Other 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Software Developers
Computer Network Support Specialists
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Computer Systems Analysts
Information Security Engineers

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.