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How to hire a Computer Specialist

Computer specialist hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring computer specialists in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a computer specialist is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per computer specialist on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 251,900 computer specialists in the US, and there are currently 75,054 job openings in this field.
  • New York, NY, has the highest demand for computer specialists, with 7 job openings.

How to hire a computer specialist, step by step

To hire a computer specialist, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a computer specialist:

Here's a step-by-step computer specialist hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a computer specialist job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer specialist
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a Computer Specialist do?

A computer specialist's responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing computer hardware and software. They meet with clients to identify their needs, examine and troubleshoot equipment, perform upgrades, and discuss the extent of repairs or replacements to clients. In a company setting, a computer specialist is in charge of overseeing an array of equipment, conducting regular maintenance checks, and performing corrective measures as needed. Furthermore, they must provide technical support, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Learn more about the specifics of what a computer specialist does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the computer specialist you need to hire. Certain computer specialist roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine Employee vs Contractor Status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A computer specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of computer specialist salaries for various roles:

    Type Of Computer SpecialistDescriptionHourly Rate
    Computer SpecialistComputer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization... Show More$28-46
    Computer EngineerA computer engineer is someone who examines, designs, and manages computer hardware and software systems. He/She or she helps in solving issues or any concerns that may occur with the computer's hardware and software as well as assists in the innovation of computer technology... Show More$33-63
    Computer ConsultantComputer Consultants assist a company's staff with computer system usage and issues. Computer consultants can be software programmers, hardware system installers, networking specialists, database specialists, and others.$32-62
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common Skills:
    • Data Entry
    • Troubleshoot
    • Computer System
    • Technical Support
    • Desk Support
    • Network Printers
    • Mac
    • OS
    • SQL
    • DOD
    • Linux
    • Lan
    • Unix
    • Management System
    Check All Skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage all operating end-user software including JavaScript - updating/installing Java.
    • Install Cisco routers and diagnose switch & hub connectivity issues.
    • Insure proper T1 circuit termination and testing before installing Cisco routers.
    • Troubleshooted/Fix code bugs, configuration problems (web application level) and SQL server errors.
    • Used a variety of complex SQL query techniques (store procedures, data modeling).
    • Service responsibilities include building IBM compatible computers and upgrades, installing and maintaining Novell networks.
    More Computer Specialist duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your computer specialist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A computer specialist salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, computer specialists' average salary in south dakota is 30% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level computer specialists earn 39% less than senior-level computer specialists.
    • Certifications. A computer specialist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a computer specialist's salary.

    Average computer specialist salary

    $75,950yearly

    $36.51 hourly rate

    Entry-level computer specialist salary
    $59,000 yearly salary
    Updated February 13, 2025

    Average computer specialist salary by state

    RankStateAvg. SalaryHourly Rate
    1Washington$89,121$43
    2California$88,505$43
    3Maryland$87,461$42
    4Oregon$86,027$41
    5Connecticut$81,457$39
    6Massachusetts$81,350$39
    7Pennsylvania$78,576$38
    8Virginia$78,561$38
    9Texas$77,747$37
    10New Jersey$75,781$36
    11Delaware$75,550$36
    12New York$75,237$36
    13Ohio$74,798$36
    14Georgia$74,216$36
    15Minnesota$74,194$36
    16Arizona$73,876$36
    17Florida$71,625$34
    18North Carolina$71,593$34
    19Missouri$70,269$34
    20Illinois$70,109$34

    Average computer specialist salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage SalaryHourly RateJob Openings
    1Apple$119,811$57.6041
    2Waymo$110,112$52.9411
    3Amazon$110,027$52.90251
    4NVIDIA$107,437$51.6518
    5AARP$103,042$49.542
    6TIBCO Software$101,530$48.81
    7Ernst & Young$99,411$47.7912
    8Microsoft$98,368$47.2954
    9Wachovia Securities$95,865$46.09
    10JPMorgan Chase & Co.$94,265$45.3242
    11AT&T$93,553$44.9838
    12Spacelabs Healthcare$92,147$44.30
    13MathWorks$90,812$43.663
    14Best Buy$90,738$43.6213
    15Dell$88,417$42.514
    16Oracle$88,125$42.371,207
    178x8$87,490$42.064
    18Northern Trust$87,186$41.922
    19Thomson Financial$85,146$40.94
    20OSI Systems$84,278$40.521
  4. Writing a Computer Specialist Job Description

    A computer specialist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a computer specialist job description:

    Computer Specialist job description example

    If you are detail-oriented, relish variety, and feel at home around all kinds of technology, consider becoming U-Haul's newest Field Computer Specialist. In this role you will be responsible for all computer and security systems in your area, traveling from place to place to maintain equipment and train users. In exchange U-Haul provides excellent perks and benefits as well as a caring company culture.
    U-Haul offers its Field Computer Specialists:
    Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days 401k and Employee Stock Ownership Plan Health insurance/benefits (including medical, dental & vision) Prescription Plan Subsidized gym membership (including paid fitness classes) Life insurance Business and travel insurance MetLaw Legal program MetLife auto and home insurance Discounts on Apple products, cell phone plans, hotels and more 24-hour physician available

    Field Computer Specialist Primary Responsibilities:
    Maintain maximum uptime for computer systems and associated broadband connectivity Implement and maintain field computer systems for all entities within the assigned area Support and train users as needed Distinguish between user error and problems requiring escalation to software vendors Identify and coordinate solutions for security gaps and compliance issues

    Field Computer Specialist Minimum Qualifications:
    Experience with technologies such as administration, security monitoring equipment, storage gates, alarm systems, doors, digital video equipment, printers, computers, VOIP, analog phones, air phones, and cash drawers Current, valid driver's license and clean driving record

    Work Environment:
    The work involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g. working around moving parts, machines, fumes, or irritant chemicals. May be required to use protective clothing, or gear such as masks, goggles, gloves, or shields.

    Physical Demands:
    The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods both indoors and outdoors of remaining stationary, traversing spaces, repositioning to reach and use tools, and moving a minimum of 50 lbs assisted or unassisted.

    AMERCO and its family of companies, including U-Haul, have strived to create a culture of health and wellness. As of February 1, 2020, and consistent with applicable state law, no AMERCO or U-Haul company will hire individuals in states where it may lawfully decline to hire individuals who use nicotine products. By continuing with this application, you are indicating that, if hired, you consent to nicotine screening in the future. This policy will not apply to team members hired before February 1, 2020.

    U-Haul is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, provincial, state or local law. Individual accommodations are available on requests for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Information obtained during this process will only be shared on a need to know basis.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right computer specialist for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your computer specialist job on Zippia to find and attract quality computer specialist candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit computer specialists, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    If your interviews with computer specialist applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

    • TestDome
    • CodeSignal
    • Testlify
    • BarRaiser
    • Coderbyte

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer specialist

    Once you have selected a candidate for the computer specialist position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new computer specialist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a computer specialist?

Recruiting computer specialists involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Computer specialists earn a median yearly salary is $75,950 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find computer specialists for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $28 and $46.

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