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What is a computer assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Mario Bkassiny Ph.D.

A computer assistant typically works in software companies, computer stores, and other organizations that deal with computer networks. Their responsibilities include hardware and software installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. They may engage a call center or work in-house to guide customers with installation processes and user account creation.

Aside from monitoring computer systems and determining technical issues, they also ensure the stability of internal or external connections. They perform system repairs and upgrades to ensure system speed and functionality. They also report, diagnose, and resolve technical issues with servers and operating systems such as Linux and Windows.

People in this position maintain strong customer service skills and keep themselves updated with the latest trends in computer technology. An aspiring computer assistant must have a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or other related fields. Certification and prior work experience are enormous advantages for this job. The median salary of a computer assistant is about $22.43 per hour or $46,644 per year.

What general advice would you give to a computer assistant?

Mario Bkassiny Ph.D.Mario Bkassiny Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, SUNY Oswego

Young graduates should continuously seek every learning opportunity to enhance their professional skills. With the fast growth of engineering technology, it is important for engineers to remain up to date with the most recent innovations in their fields. The learning process does not stop at graduation, but instead, it extends beyond college to the workplace where engineers can gain expert knowledge in their fields.
ScoreComputer AssistantUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $47,077

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 13.99%

Black or African American 10.92%

Hispanic or Latino 15.03%

Unknown 5.30%

White 54.36%

Gender

female 44.19%

male 55.81%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Computer assistant career paths

Key steps to become a computer assistant

  1. Explore computer assistant education requirements

    Most common computer assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    54.7 %

    Associate

    23.2 %

    High School Diploma

    9.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific computer assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Computer Equipment12.40%
    Software Issues11.54%
    Customer Support8.84%
    Software Applications7.71%
    Computer System7.64%
  3. Complete relevant computer assistant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a computer assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer assistant resumes.
  4. Gain additional computer assistant certifications

    Computer assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific computer assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for computer assistants include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research computer assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Set up and manage all Linux labs campus-wide.
    • Process customer billing for cad services.
    • Support deployment of all PCs and peripherals.
    • Perform OS and software testing prior to creating system images.
  6. Prepare your computer assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer assistant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a computer assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable computer assistant resume templates

    Build a professional computer assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer assistant resume.
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  7. Apply for computer assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a computer assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first computer assistant job

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Average computer assistant salary

The average computer assistant salary in the United States is $47,077 per year or $23 per hour. Computer assistant salaries range between $26,000 and $83,000 per year.

Average computer assistant salary
$47,077 Yearly
$22.63 hourly

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Computer assistant reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

I really love technical job which is hands on.

Cons

I don’t too much simple tickets


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Different approach of solving problem in hardware and software.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

i love solving computer problems, assembling and programming , networking, performing data recovery and backups, i love opening computer motherboard and fix those spoiled chips and capacitors.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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