Today’s Job Outlook : Computer Support Specialists
What Computer Support Specialists Do
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.
Work Environment
Most computer support specialists have full-time work schedules; however, many do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Because computer support is important for businesses, support services may need to be available 24 hours a day. As a result, many support specialists must work nights or weekends.
How to Become a Computer Support Specialist
Because of the wide range of skills used in different computer support jobs, there are many paths into the occupation. A bachelor’s degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate’s degree or postsecondary classes may be enough for others.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $65,450 in May 2020.
The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $52,690 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 70,400 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
