How To Become A Computer Consultant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a computer consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Kate Marek Ph.D.

Computer Consultants are IT professionals who specialize in a specific area of information technology. Because IT is so vast, there's a potentially limitless opportunity for computer consultants. The industry grows along with the demand for viable computer solutions.

Computer consultants can work as entry-level tech support or maintain servers for e-commerce businesses. They can also do everything in between, from PC repair to cybersecurity and information theft. Computer consultants may also be hired to oversee IT departments, train staff, and manage day-to-day operations.

The educational requirements of a computer consultant vary with the specialization. But you need a bachelor's degree in computer science, computing, or other IT related fields. You may also require certification from software companies like Microsoft, especially if you want to land prominent roles.

What general advice would you give to a computer consultant?

Kate Marek Ph.D.

Director and Professor, Dominican University

Choose an organization in tune with one's values. Look for a job in growth areas, such as data asset management, data analysis, etc.

ScoreComputer ConsultantUS Average

Salary

7.4

Avg. Salary $94,331

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 13.19%

Black or African American 10.64%

Hispanic or Latino 15.98%

Unknown 5.62%

White 54.16%

Gender

female 21.78%

male 78.22%

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

Key steps to become a computer consultant

Explore computer consultant education requirements

Most common computer consultant degrees

Bachelor's

62.4 %

Associate

20.8 %

Master's

8.6 %

Start to develop specific computer consultant skills

Skills	Percentages
Technical Support	10.98%
Database	6.16%
Linux	6.11%
Troubleshoot	5.95%
Desk Support	5.13%

Complete relevant computer consultant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New computer consultants 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 consultant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real computer consultant resumes.

Gain additional computer consultant certifications

Computer consultant 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 consultant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for computer consultants include Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) and Management Consultant Professional (MCP).

More About Certifications

Research computer consultant duties and responsibilities

Manage hardware design, install custom Linux desktop operating system, integrate software written in C++.
Manage configuration and connectivity of customer virtual networks through VMware tools.
Convert existing VHS tapes into digital clips to use in Powerpoint.
Install and configure AcuConnect on the LINUX servers for thin client access from windows.

Get computer consultant experience

Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a computer consultant. The most common roles before becoming a computer consultant include computer technician, programmer analyst team lead and technical support specialist.

Prepare your computer consultant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your computer consultant 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 consultant 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 consultant resume templates

Build a professional computer consultant 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 consultant resume.