Research Summary. Here are some key points about hiring computer support specialists in the United States:

  • There are a total of 358,825 computer support specialists in the US, and there are currently 114,029 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a computer support specialist is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per computer support specialist on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Orlando, FL, has the highest demand for computer support specialists, with 6 job openings.

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How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Computer Support Specialist

Hiring a computer support specialist comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting computer support specialists involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of computer support specialist recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

You can expect to pay around $63,926 per year for a computer support specialist, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for computer support specialists in the US typically range between $21 and $43 an hour.

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How to hire a Computer Support Specialist, step by step

To hire a computer support 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 support specialist:

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

1
Identify Your Needs

Before you post your computer support specialist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business need. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a computer support specialist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

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Before you hire a computer support specialist, you should also consider the ideal background you'd like them to have. For example, what industry or field they have experience in, what level of seniority or education the job requires, and how much it'll cost to hire a candidate that fits the bill.

The list breaks down common computer support specialist roles and compares their salaries.

Type Of Computer Support SpecialistDescriptionHourly Rate
Computer Support 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$21-43
Systems SupportA systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables... Show More$21-42
Computer TechnicianComputer technicians are skilled information technology professionals who handle concerns related to computers. They are responsible for assisting clients in software installations, troubleshooting needs, and repair needs... Show More$13-26

2
Create An Ideal Candidate Profile

Before you start to recruit computer support specialists, imagine the ideal employee for this position and begin creating a profile and job description. What skills do they have, and what responsibilities do they have to be proficient in?

Here is a list of skills that are commonly associated with computer support specialist:

Common Skills:
  • Computer Support
  • Troubleshoot
  • Technical Support
  • Customer Service
  • Desk Support
  • Computer System
  • Network Printers
  • Mac
  • OS
  • User Support
  • Computer Software
  • Technical Assistance
  • Linux
  • Help-Desk Support
Check All Skills

Here is a list of common responsibilities that computer support specialists may be expected to fulfill:

Responsibilities:
  • Monitor and manage end-user LAN/WLAN connectivity, and utilize diagnostic tools for monitoring and testing physical networking performance.
  • Interface daily with customers providing hardware and software support for a relational database design and written in INGRES using SQL.
  • Perform domain registration, connect peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely using SMS application.
  • Deploy new machines, installing OS, applications, drivers, and network configurations.
  • Participate in vulnerability resolution for both OS and specific applications on the OIG network.
  • Establish a new process for imaging machines using Linux and write documentation for it.
Check all Duties

Beyond the nuts and bolts, cultural fit is an important factor. It might help to ask yourself how your ideal computer support specialist will live by the company's mission statement and contribute to the team dynamic you already have in place. Clearly communicating this vision in your computer support specialist job description will help attract candidates who are better suited for the role.

Most Common States For Computer Support Specialists In The US

Rank #State# Of Jobs% of PopulationAvg. Salary
1Illinois2,53420%$59,083
2Georgia2,01619%$57,875
3Virginia1,65220%$60,537
4Michigan1,64917%$57,832
5Washington1,49920%$77,483

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3
Make A Budget

Including a salary range in your job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A computer support specialist can vary based on things like:

  • Location. For example, computer support specialists' average salary in alabama is 38% less than in washington.
  • Seniority. Entry-level computer support specialists 52% less than senior-level computer support specialists.
  • Certifications. A computer support specialist with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
  • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a computer support specialist's salary.

Updated March 16, 2023

Computer Support Specialist Salary Estimate

$63,926

$30.73 hourly

Entry level Salary
$44,000 yearly

Computer Support Specialist Average Salary By Location

RankStateAvg. SalaryHourly RateJob Count
1California$80,316$39
2Washington$78,452$382
3Pennsylvania$68,288$33
4Connecticut$67,885$33
5Delaware$67,572$32

Computer Support Specialist Average Salary By Company

RankCompanyAverage SalaryHourly RateJob Openings
1Google$109,044$52.4260
2Brocade Services Corporation$108,851$52.33
3KLA$102,808$49.4315
4TIBCO Software$100,887$48.504
5Tellabs$100,669$48.40
6Informatica$98,540$47.38
7Cisco$97,702$46.978
8Quest Software$97,395$46.82
9Varian Medical Systems$97,166$46.718
10Yahoo$97,017$46.643
11Microsoft$96,271$46.2842
12Applied Materials$96,238$46.27269
13American Century Investments$94,114$45.25
14Juniper Networks$91,506$43.994
15Philips$89,021$42.8054
16AvePoint$88,039$42.331
17Activision Blizzard$85,825$41.26
18JDA Software Inc$85,054$40.89
19EPAM Systems$83,555$40.17
20HP$83,343$40.0765

4
Writing a Computer Support Specialist Job Description

A computer support 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 support specialist job description:

Example of Full Job Description

Admiral Beverage believes in investing in its people, business partners, and communities, to continually grow and offer the best products and services in the region. With the strength of a large company combined with a small-town, friendly, family-driven mindset; we are here to grow with you. Admiral offers: competitive wages, a full-scale benefit program including health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) and retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and much, much more!

Current Admiral Beverage Employees (excluding Contractors): Please apply via your internal Workday Account.
Job Description

Primary Location:
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Computer Support Specialist: Installs, modifies, and makes minor repairs to hardware and software systems, tracks inventory and provides technical assistance and training to system users by performing the following duties.

Inspects equipment and reads order sheet listing user requirements to prepare equipment for delivery.Installs or assists installation and maintenance of hardware and peripheral components such as monitors, keyboards, printers, and disk drives on user's premises.Loads and maintains specified software packages such as operating systems, word processing, spreadsheet and support software and update (network interface, virus protection, etc.) programs into computers.Tracks inventory of hardware and software components and software standardization.Enters commands and observes system functions to verify correct system operation. Instructs user in use of equipment, software, and manuals.Documents and maintains installation and configuration procedures and specifications.Answers client's inquiries in person and via telephone concerning local and network systems operation.Diagnoses system hardware, software, and operator problems. Recommends or performs remedial actions to correct problems based on knowledge of system operation.Refers major hardware problems to service personnel for correction.Attends technical conferences and seminars to keep abreast of new software and hardware product developments, as assigned.Develops training materials such as exercises and visual displays.Trains users on software and hardware on-site or in classroom or recommends outside contractors to provide training.Other duties may be assigned by the immediate supervisor or other supervisor at any time.

$22.75 - $30.70 / hr DOE

5
Post A Job

To find the right computer support specialist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

  • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
  • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with computer support specialists they would recommend.
  • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit computer support specialists who meet your education requirements.
  • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

Post your job online:

  • Post your computer support specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit computer support specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
  • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
  • Post a job on free websites.

6
Interview Process

During your first interview to recruit computer support specialists, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and their experience in the field. During the next interview, you can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities.

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

In some cases, it's not enough just to interview computer support specialist candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

  • 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 Support Specialist

Once you've decided on a perfect computer support specialist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should also include details such as benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8
Go Through The Checklist For The Hiring Process

  • 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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Hiring Computer Support Specialists FAQs

How Much Does A Good Computer Support Specialist Cost?

A good computer support specialist costs $30.73 an hour in the US. However, it can vary based on factors such as the computer support specialist experience, abilities, industry, and the specific requirements of your business.

What Are The Duties Of A Computer Support Specialist?

The duties of a computer support specialist are:
  • Monitor and manage end-user LAN/WLAN connectivity, and utilize diagnostic tools for monitoring and testing physical networking performance.
  • Interface daily with customers providing hardware and software support for a relational database design and written in INGRES using SQL.
  • Perform domain registration, connect peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely using SMS application.

Should I Hire A Computer Support Specialist With No Experience?

Yes, you should hire a computer support specialist with no experience. Hiring an entry-level computer support specialist with no experience offers versatility for your team. They may lack some qualifications, but are adaptable and have not yet formed problematic habits. However, more training may be required compared to experienced.

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