What does a computer support specialist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Computer support specialists help users and organizations with computer problems. Network support specialists maintain and troubleshoot networks, and user support specialists, often called help desk technicians, diagnose problems and guide customers to fixes. Education ranges from some college courses to an associate's degree, and IT certifications often help.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 15-1232.00 (Computer User Support Specialists) |
| Typical entry-level education | Network support: associate's degree; user support: some college courses; a high school diploma plus certifications can also qualify |
| Training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Median annual wage | $62,890 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | -3 percent, 2025 to 2035 (decline) |
| Number of jobs | 903,100 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 48,700 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a computer support specialist do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Network support specialists: test and evaluate existing network systems, perform regular maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly, and troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and Internet systems.
- User support specialists: analyze customers' computer problems to diagnose the cause, document customers' descriptions, guide customers through recommended problem-solving steps, set up or repair computer equipment and related devices, install and train users on new hardware or software, and inform team members and managers of major problems or recurring concerns.
Work environment
Network support specialists held about 152,500 jobs in 2025, and top employers include computer systems design services (20 percent), educational services (11 percent) and telecommunications (8 percent). User support specialists held about 750,600 jobs, with computer systems design services employing 21 percent, educational services 12 percent and information 10 percent. Some specialists can telework, while others must be onsite or travel to client locations. Most work full time, and some work nights or weekends because support may be needed 24 hours a day.
Education, training and licensing
- Network support specialists typically need an associate's degree, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree.
- User support specialists typically need some college courses. Relevant coursework in networking, server administration or information security may qualify applicants.
- Certifications: Candidates for either role may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant IT certifications. Certifications are offered by vendors and vendor-neutral providers, and companies may require certifications in the products they use. See CareerOneStop for details.
- Ongoing learning: Specialists may need continuing education to keep up with changes in technology.
Skills that matter
The OOH names communication skills, customer-service skills, listening skills and problem-solving skills. O*NET lists the skills, knowledge and work activities for this occupation, which is useful when you tailor a resume.
How much do computer support specialists make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $62,890 per year for the combined profile (May 2025). Computer network support specialists had a median of $76,220, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $47,120 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $127,780. Computer user support specialists had a median of $61,860, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $40,980 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $100,540.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, a loss of 24,300 jobs. About 48,700 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, all from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
How to get hired
- Show hands-on troubleshooting. Describe the problems you diagnosed, the steps you took and how you documented them. Home labs and volunteer support count.
- Add the right certification. Check the postings you want, since companies may require certifications in the products they use.
- Lead with communication. Users are often frustrated, so show patience and clear explanations. Our ATS resume guide covers keywords and format.
- Rehearse scenario questions. Practice walking a nontechnical caller through a fix with our interview prep tools.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Computer and information systems managers; computer network architects; computer programmers; computer systems analysts; customer service representatives; database administrators and architects; network and computer systems administrators; information security analysts; web developers and digital designers.
Frequently asked questions
Do computer support specialists need a degree? Not always. Network support specialists typically need an associate's degree, and user support specialists typically need some college courses. A high school diploma plus IT certifications can also qualify.
Is help desk the same as computer user support? The help desk technician role is covered by computer user support specialists in the OOH.
Can computer support be done remotely? Some specialists can telework, while others must be onsite or travel to client locations.
Is IT support in demand? BLS projects a 3 percent decline from 2025 to 2035, with about 48,700 openings a year from replacement needs.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Support Specialists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Computer User Support Specialists (15-1232.00): https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1232.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.