How to Become a Computer Support Specialist in 2024
Entry requirements for Computer Support Specialists vary. Web support specialists usually require an associate’s degree, while user support specialists typically need to complete some college coursework.
However, candidates for either position may be eligible for a high school diploma and related information technology (IT) certification.
Educate
Educational requirements for computer support specialists vary. Computer user support specialist jobs require some computer knowledge but not necessarily a college degree.
Applicants who have taken networking, server administration, and information security courses may be eligible for these jobs.
For computer networking support specialists, employers may accept applicants with an associate’s degree, although some prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
Large software companies that support business users who purchase their products or services may require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.
More technical positions may require degrees in computing and information technology or engineering. For others, the applicant’s degree field is less important.
To keep up with technological changes, computer support specialists may need to continue their education throughout their careers.
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Licensing, Certification, and Registration
Vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers typically offer certification programs. Certification validates the knowledge and best practices required of a computer support specialist.
A company may require its computer support specialists to hold certificates for products used by the company. Other certifications, such as CompTIA A+, may be a useful starting point for workers seeking to enter the profession.
Progress
Many computer support specialists advance to other information technology positions, such as information security analysts, network and computer systems administrators, and software developers.
Some people become managers of computer support services. Some organizations provide support specialists with access to other parts of the organization, such as sales.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Computer support specialists must communicate information orally and in writing. They must describe solutions to computer problems in a way non-technical users can understand.
Customer service skills. Computer support specialists must be patient and compassionate. They often help people who are frustrated trying to use software or hardware.
Listening skills. Support staff must understand the problems described by their customers and know when to ask questions for clarification.
Ability to solve problems. Support staff must identify simple and complex computer problems, then analyze and resolve them.
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Job prospect
Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
On average, approximately 70,400 computer support specialist jobs are expected to open annually during this decade. Many of these vacancies are expected to be due to the need to replace workers who move to a different occupation or exit the workforce (e.g., retire).
Employment
As organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software, more support services will be required. The computer support staff will be required to respond to increasingly complex installation and maintenance requirements for computer equipment and software.
However, the rise of cloud computing may increase the productivity of computer support specialists, slowing their growth at many companies.
Small businesses without information technology (IT) departments will contract with IT consulting firms for their services and increase the need for computer support specialists in these firms.
Employment growth may also come from the healthcare industry’s demand for IT support services. As the use of IT in the field continues to increase, support services are critical to keeping everything running smoothly.
Pay
In May 2021, the median annual salary for a computer network support specialist was $62,760. The median wage is when half of the workers in an occupation are paid more than that amount, and the other half are paid less. The bottom 10% earned less than $38,560, and the top 10% earned more than $102,410.
In May 2021, the median annual salary for computer user support specialists was $49,770. The bottom 10% earned less than $34,220, and the top 10% earned more than $91,060.
In May 2021, the median annual salaries for computer network support specialists in the top industries they work in were as follows:
- Telecom $76,910
- Financial insurance 74,920
- Corporate and business management 66,500
- Data processing, hosting, and related services 62,460
- Computer system design and related services 61,390
The median annual salaries for computer user support specialists in the top industries where they worked in May 2021 are as follows:
- Software Publisher $59,830
- Corporate and business management 58,430
- Computer system design and related services 48,540
- Educational services; state, local and private 48,530
- Temporary help services 46,680
Most computer support specialists work full-time. Because computer support services may be available 24 hours a day, some specialists work evenings or weekends.
