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.
Also called: Application Customer Service Representative (Application CSR), Application Support Engineer, Applications Analyst, Automatic Data Processing Customer Liaison (ADP Customer Liaison), Call Center Support Representative (Call Center Support Rep), Cloud Operations Specialist
Median pay
$61,860
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,980 – $100,540
People employed
717,190
Holland code
CRI
Conventional · Realistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 5.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Computer User Support Specialists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What computer user support specialists do
- 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.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from computer user support specialists
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers74% · +73%
- Energy Auditors69% · group pay
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists69% · group pay
- Audio and Video Technicians68% · −6%
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians67% · +34%
Change into computer user support specialists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Audio and Video Technicians72% · $58,100
- Energy Auditors69% · $74,690
- Precision Agriculture Technicians67% · $49,630
- Prepress Technicians and Workers67% · $48,690
- Quality Control Analysts66% · $62,280
Majors that lead here
- Agricultural Business Technology/Technician
- Computer Support Specialist
- Medical Office Computer Specialist/Assistant
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.