Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, support, and advice to individuals and organizations that depend on information technology. They work within organizations that use computer systems, for computer hardware or software vendors, or for third-party organizations that provide support services on a contract basis, such as help-desk service firms. Support specialists are usually differentiated between technical support specialists and help-desk technicians.
Related job titles are: Computer Operator, Software Engineer, Tech Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Customer Support Specialist.
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Important Computer Support Specialist degree information -Top of Page-
- Job growth is projected to be faster than the average for all occupations.
- A bachelor’s degree is required for some jobs, while an associate degree or certification is adequate for others.
- Job prospects should be good, especially for college graduates with relevant skills and experience.
How much does a Computer Support Specialist make in salary? || Computer Support Specialist pay -Top of Page-
Median annual wages of wage-and-salary computer support specialists were $43,450 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $33,680 and $55,990. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $26,580, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $70,750.
What is a Computer Support Specialist? || What does a Computer Support Specialist do? || Job descriptions -Top of Page-
Technical support specialists respond to inquiries from their organizations' computer users and may run automatic diagnostics programs to resolve problems. In addition, they may write training manuals and train computer users in the use of new computer hardware and software. These workers also oversee the daily performance of their company's computer systems, resolving technical problems with Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and other systems.
Help-desk technicians respond to telephone calls and e-mail messages from customers looking for help with computer problems. In responding to these inquiries, help-desk technicians must listen carefully to the customer, ask questions to diagnose the nature of the problem, and then patiently walk the customer through the problem-solving steps. They also install, modify, clean, and repair computer hardware and software. Many computer support specialists start out at the help desk.
Work environment for Computer Support Specialists -Top of Page-
Computer support specialists normally work in well-lighted, comfortable offices or computer laboratories. Most work about 40 hours a week. Those who work for third-party support firms often are away from their offices, spending considerable time working at a client's location. As computer networks expand, more computer support specialists may be able to provide technical support from remote locations. This capability would reduce or eliminate travel to the customer's workplace, and may allow some support specialists to work from home.
How to become a Computer Support Specialist || Computer Support Specialist classes and degree programs -Top of Page-
A college degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate degree or certification may be sufficient for others. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential.
Training requirements for computer support specialist positions vary, but many employers prefer to hire applicants with some formal college education. A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information systems is a prerequisite for some jobs; other jobs, however, may require only a computer-related associate degree.
Many computer support specialists, in order to keep up with changes in technology, continue to receive training throughout their careers by attending professional training programs offered by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions.
People interested in becoming a computer support specialist must have strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills because troubleshooting and helping others are vital parts of the job.
Where are the Computer Support Specialist jobs? -Top of Page-
Computer support specialists held about 565,700 jobs in 2008. Although they worked in a wide range of industries, about 18 percent were employed in the computer systems design and related services industry. Substantial numbers of these workers were also employed in administrative and support services companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, government agencies, educational institutions, software publishers, telecommunications organizations, and healthcare organizations.
Computer Support Specialist job opportunities and outlook -Top of Page-
Employment is expected to increase faster than the average. Job prospects should be good, especially for those with a college degree and relevant skills.
Job growth will be fastest in several industries that rely heavily on technology. These include the computer systems design and related services industry; the data processing, hosting and related services industry; the software publishing industry; and the management, scientific, and technical consulting industry.
Job prospects are expected to be good; those who possess a bachelor’s degree, relevant technical and communication skills, and previous work experience should have even better opportunities than applicants with an associate degree or professional certification.