A Computer Support Specialist is responsible for providing the highest customer service for clients with technical and system issues, resolving network failures, and creating support tickets for IT personnel. Computer Support Specialists utilize various system tools and applications to diagnose end-users network issues and conduct immediate troubleshooting. They also help the IT staff design and improve system features and infrastructures and create instructional manuals for deliverables. A Computer Support Specialist must have excellent technical and communication skills to document customers' requests and identify system solutions.

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Computer Support Specialist Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer support specialist resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

  • 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.
  • Establish a new process for mass imaging machines using Linux with a fast turnaround time.
  • Perform creation and testing of HTML WWW pages for business enhancement through online ordering capabilities.
  • Provide full creative direction for HTML coding, graphic design, page layout and site maintenance.
  • Configure TCP/IP LAN networking on Win95/98 NT and XP machines and configure server-base applications to work on client's machine.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot batch jobs processes critical to daily operation.
  • Develop major data dictionary entries identifying element characteristics, and mapping the elements to DOD standards.
  • Maintain the availability of company computer resources including servers, workstations, laptops, printers and multimedia equipment.
  • Ensure that all workstations operating properly by providing preventative maintenance, which include repairing equipment and troubleshooting when necessary.
  • Authore dHtml web pages using Javascript to present documentation.

Computer Support Specialist Job Description

Between the years 2018 and 2028, computer support specialist jobs are expected to undergo a growth rate described as "faster than average" at 10%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if the thought "should I become a computer support specialist?" Has crossed your mind, maybe you should take the growth rate into account. In addition, the number of computer support specialist opportunities that are projected to become available by 2028 is 83,100.

On average, the computer support specialist annual salary is $63,926 per year, which translates to $30.73 an hour. Generally speaking, computer support specialists earn anywhere from $44,000 to $91,000 a year, which means that the top-earning computer support specialists make $52,000 more than the ones at the lower end of the spectrum.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become a computer support specialist. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That's why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include a systems support, installation specialist, technical specialist, and technical support associate.

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Computer Support Specialist Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 8% of Computer Support Specialists are proficient in Computer Support, Troubleshoot, and Technical Support. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Computer Support Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Computer Support, 8%

    General computer support and troubleshooting, to more in-depth systems and server administration

  • Troubleshoot, 7%

    Performed domain registration, connect peripheral equipment, and troubleshoot workstations/blackberries remotely using SMS application.

  • Technical Support, 7%

    Provided over-the-phone and in-person technical support to Florida National Guard installations and Department of Military Affairs offices.

  • Customer Service, 6%

    Received calls about Microsoft programs, troubleshooting, submitting trouble tickets, assisted with installing/updating software -Customer Service on an hourly basis

  • Desk Support, 5%

    Prepare documentation and procedures for Help Desk supported installations.

  • Computer System, 5%

    Maintained sophisticated computer systems with various Windows and Linux based operating systems for an academic institution.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Computer Support Specialist Resume templates

Build a professional Computer Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist resume.

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Computer Support Specialist Resume

Some of the skills we found on computer support specialist resumes included "computer support," "troubleshoot," and "technical support." We have detailed the most important computer support specialist responsibilities below.

  • Arguably the most important personality trait for a computer support specialist to have happens to be customer-service skills. An example from a resume said this about the skill, "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic" Additionally, other resumes have pointed out that computer support specialists can use customer-service skills to "build customized computer systems based on customer specifications; successfully built four computers for personal use in 2015. "
  • While it may not be the most important skill, we found that many computer support specialist duties rely on listening skills. This example from a computer support specialist explains why: "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." This resume example is just one of many ways computer support specialists are able to utilize listening skills: "managed helpdesk calls, and documented issue(s) and resolution, communicated training materials to employees at all levels. "
  • Another skill that is quite popular among computer support specialists is problem-solving skills. This skill is very critical to fulfilling every day responsibilities as is shown in this example from a computer support specialist resume: "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "operate and support microsoft sharepoint software solution. "
  • A computer support specialist responsibilities sometimes require "speaking skills." The responsibilities that rely on this skills are shown by this resume excerpt: "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." This resume example shows how this skill is used by computer support specialists: "developed training materials and presented bi-monthly lunchtime training sessions for end users. "
  • Another common skill for a computer support specialist to be able to utilize is "writing skills." Strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions. A computer support specialist demonstrated the need for this skill by putting this on their resume: "developed mapping standards and provided technical writing and software support. "
  • See the full list of computer support specialist skills.

    After discovering the most helpful skills, we moved onto what kind of education might be helpful in becoming a computer support specialist. We found that 51.1% of computer support specialists have graduated with a bachelor's degree and 5.2% of people in this position have earned their master's degrees. While most computer support specialists have a college degree, you may find it's also true that generally it's possible to be successful in this career with only a high school degree. In fact, our research shows that one out of every six computer support specialists were not college graduates.

    Those computer support specialists who do attend college, typically earn either computer science degrees or computer information systems degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for computer support specialists include business degrees or information technology degrees.

    Once you've obtained the level of education you're comfortable with, you might start applying to companies to become a computer support specialist. We've found that most computer support specialist resumes include experience from Aditi Consulting, Alston & Bird, and Infinity Consulting Solutions. Of recent, Aditi Consulting had 5 positions open for computer support specialists. Meanwhile, there are 3 job openings at Alston & Bird and 3 at Infinity Consulting Solutions.

    But if you're interested in companies where you might earn a high salary, computer support specialists tend to earn the biggest salaries at Google, Brocade Services Corporation, and KLA. Take Google for example. The median computer support specialist salary is $109,044. At Brocade Services Corporation, computer support specialists earn an average of $108,851, while the average at KLA is $102,808. You should take into consideration how difficult it might be to secure a job with one of these companies.

    View more details on computer support specialist salaries across the United States.

    Some other companies you might be interested in as a computer support specialist include IBM, Best Buy, and TEKsystems. These three companies were found to hire the most computer support specialists from the top 100 U.S. educational institutions.

    The three companies that hire the most prestigious computer support specialists are:

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    What Systems Supports Do

    A 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. They also assist the technology team in designing backup systems and improve existing networks according to business requirements and specifications. They write resolution reports for reference to prevent the reoccurrence of system malfunction and inconsistencies.

    In this section, we take a look at the annual salaries of other professions. Take systems support for example. On average, the systems supports annual salary is $105 higher than what computer support specialists make on average every year.

    Even though computer support specialists and systems supports have vast differences in their careers, a few of the skills required to do both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service in the day-to-day roles.

    There are some key differences in responsibilities as well. For example, a computer support specialist responsibilities require skills like "computer support," "desk support," "user support," and "computer software." Meanwhile a typical systems support has skills in areas such as "pc," "provides technical support," "desktop support," and "end user support." This difference in skills reveals how truly different these two careers really are.

    Systems supports really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $72,760. Whereas computer support specialists tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $75,865.

    Systems supports tend to reach similar levels of education than computer support specialists. In fact, systems supports are 2.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

    What Are The Duties Of an Installation Specialist?

    Installation specialists are skilled employees who are responsible for installing various equipment, machinery, and computer systems for a company or clients. These specialists must work with HVAC contractors to install air-conditioning ductwork and materials in business establishments and homes. They should recommend corrective action when identifying electrical and environmental deficiencies to ensure optimized performance and reliability of equipment. Installation specialists must also test hardware and software to determine its efficiency and reliability as well as its compatibility with the existing system.

    The next role we're going to look at is the installation specialist profession. Typically, this position earns a lower pay. In fact, they earn a $14,324 lower salary than computer support specialists per year.

    While the salary may be different for these job positions, there is one similarity and that's a few of the skills needed to perform certain duties. We used info from lots of resumes to find that both computer support specialists and installation specialists are known to have skills such as "customer service," "computer system," and "sql. "

    In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, computer support specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "computer support," "troubleshoot," "technical support," and "desk support." Meanwhile, a installation specialist might be skilled in areas such as "ladders," "scaffolding," "quality measures," and "hvac." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

    When it comes to the differences in education between the two professions, installation specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than computer support specialists. In fact, they're 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

    How a Technical Specialist Compares

    The role of technical specialists is to provide technical support for applications and programs to staff members and customers within an organization. They train staff and customers on products and apps and offer advice on the best practices for utilizing technical programs and applications. They also design training materials to teach other staff members the most effective methods of using its technology. It is also their job to reduce company costs by looking for ways to improve productivity and lessen expenses.

    Let's now take a look at the technical specialist profession. On average, these workers make higher salaries than computer support specialists with a $24,847 difference per year.

    By looking over several computer support specialists and technical specialists resumes, we found that both roles utilize similar skills, such as "technical support," "customer service," and "computer system." But beyond that the careers look very different.

    As mentioned, these two careers differ between other skills that are required for performing the work exceedingly well. For example, gathering from computer support specialists resumes, they are more likely to have skills like "computer support," "troubleshoot," "desk support," and "network printers." But a technical specialist might have skills like "patients," "project management," "customer satisfaction," and "c++."

    Interestingly enough, technical specialists earn the most pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $92,419. As mentioned previously, computer support specialists highest annual salary comes from the technology industry with an average salary of $75,865.

    When it comes to education, technical specialists tend to earn similar education levels than computer support specialists. In fact, they're 5.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

    Description Of a Technical Support Associate

    A technical support associate is responsible for assisting customers and end-users' technology and network issues, configuring system applications and improving network infrastructure. Technical support associates inspect inconsistencies on the network systems, identifying technical support solutions, and repairing defective system components. They also implement strategic techniques to boost the technology's optimal performance, maintain a record of resolution for reference, and process customers' upgrade requests. A technical support associate must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as extensive communication and organizational skills to support operations, especially on high-volume days.

    The fourth career we look at typically earns lower pay than computer support specialists. On average, technical support associates earn a difference of $20,275 lower per year.

    While both computer support specialists and technical support associates complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like troubleshoot, technical support, and customer service, the two careers also vary in other skills.

    While some skills are shared by these professions, there are some differences to note. "computer support," "network printers," "user support," and "microsoft windows" are skills that have shown up on computer support specialists resumes. Additionally, technical support associate uses skills like printers, customer satisfaction, phone calls, and technical knowledge on their resumes.

    Technical support associates reach similar levels of education when compared to computer support specialists. The difference is that they're 3.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree more, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.