Occupations/15-1232.00
Computer User Support Specialists
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.
Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.
AI automation risk
63%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
48%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
64%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly human
Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Mostly routine
Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Mostly routine
Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
Split from the wording of these tasks, shown next to the occupation’s AI risk. It is not a separate score for each task, and it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- 02Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- 03Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- 04Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- 05Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- 06Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks3.50
- Degree of automation2.06
- Time sitting3.93
- Originality (ability)2.88
- Conflict situations2.33
- Hands-on objects/tools4.41
- Outdoors / weather1.63
- Disease exposure1.26
- Decision freedom4.57
Top abilities
- Written Comprehension4.00
- Oral Expression4.00
- Oral Comprehension4.00
- Written Expression3.88
- Near Vision3.88
- Speech Recognition3.62
- Speech Clarity3.62
- Problem Sensitivity3.62
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension4.00
- Active Listening4.00
- Writing3.50
- Speaking4.00
- Mathematics2.25
- Science1.75
- Critical Thinking3.75
- Active Learning3.12
- Learning Strategies3.12
- Monitoring3.12
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 81 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College Chicago, IL · Public | Medical Office Computer Specialist/Assistant 51.0709 | $4,600 | 100% | 27% | 1 yr $144,240 2 yr $182,280 Master's · CIP 51.07 |
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $68,200 | 12% | 92% | 1 yr $122,038 2 yr — Master's · CIP 11.10 |
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $15,200 | 57% | 86% | 1 yr — 2 yr $122,038 Master's · CIP 11.10 |
Georgetown University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $65,400 | 12% | 95% | 1 yr $106,069 2 yr $97,367 Master's · CIP 11.10 |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $12,600 | 48% | 84% | 1 yr $100,071 2 yr $99,072 Master's · CIP 11.10 |
New York University New York, NY · Private nonprofit | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $60,400 | 12% | 88% | 1 yr $97,604 2 yr $112,328 Master's · CIP 11.10 |
Houston Community College Houston, TX · Public | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $4,300 | 100% | 24% | 1 yr $90,856 2 yr — Master's · CIP 11.10 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public | Medical Office Computer Specialist/Assistant 51.0709 | $17,700 | 18% | 93% | 1 yr $89,044 2 yr $87,112 Master's · CIP 51.07 |
Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public | Agricultural Business Technology/Technician 01.0106 | $12,000 | 90% | 69% | 1 yr $83,177 2 yr — Master's · CIP 01.01 |
Georgia State University Atlanta, GA · Public | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $9,200 | 67% | 56% | 1 yr $67,660 2 yr — Master's · CIP 11.10 |
St Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN · Public | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $9,600 | 95% | 56% | 1 yr $63,005 2 yr $52,733 Bachelor's · CIP 11.10 |
Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA · Public | Computer Support Specialist 11.1006 | $1,200 | 100% | 39% | 1 yr $61,516 2 yr $60,185 Bachelor's · CIP 11.10 |