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$48,620
Average Salary
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Because of the wide range of skills used in different computer support jobs, there are many paths into the occupation. A bachelor’s degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate’s degree or postsecondary classes may be enough for others.
EducationEducation requirements for computer support specialists vary. Computer user support specialist jobs require some computer knowledge, but not necessarily a postsecondary degree. Applicants who have taken some computer-related classes are often qualified. For computer network support specialists, many employers accept applicants with an associate’s degree, although some prefer applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.
Large software companies that provide support to business users who buy their products or services often require a bachelor’s degree. Positions that are more technical are likely to require a degree in a field such as computer science, engineering, or information science, but for others, the applicant’s field of study is less important.
To keep up with changes in technology, many computer support specialists continue their education throughout their careers.
CertificationCertification programs are generally offered by vendors or from vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification validates the knowledge of and best practices required by computer support specialists. Companies may require their computer support specialists to hold certifications in the products the companies use.
AdvancementMany computer support specialists advance to other information technology positions, such as network and computer systems administrators and software developers. Some become managers in the computer support services department. Some organizations provide paths for support specialists to move into other parts of the organization, such as sales. For more information, see the profiles on network and computer systems administrators and software developers.
Important QualitiesCustomer-service skills. Computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic. They must often help people who are frustrated with the software or hardware they are trying to use.
Listening skills. Support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.
Problem-solving skills. Support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them.
Speaking skills. Support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand.
Writing skills. Strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as real-time web chat interactions.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Help Desk Associate
Top Careers After Help Desk Associate
Gender
Male
64.3%Female
34.9%Unknown
0.8%Ethnicity
White
76.8%Hispanic or Latino
12.1%Asian
7.9%Unknown
2.6%Black or African American
0.6%Languages Spoken
Spanish
58.5%French
4.9%Italian
4.9%Swahili
2.4%Portuguese
2.4%Somali
2.4%Vietnamese
2.4%German
2.4%Bosnian
2.4%Cantonese
2.4%Serbian
2.4%Japanese
2.4%Carrier
2.4%Mandarin
2.4%Arabic
2.4%Croatian
2.4%Help Desk Associate
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
University of Phoenix
20.0%Strayer University
10.5%University of Maryland - University College
7.6%DePaul University
5.7%ECPI University
4.8%Colorado Technical University
4.8%Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
3.8%Virginia Commonwealth University
3.8%Madison Area Technical College
3.8%Bergen Community College
3.8%American University
3.8%Kaplan University
3.8%Community College of Rhode Island
3.8%Central Piedmont Community College
2.9%Missouri State University
2.9%University of North Carolina at Greensboro
2.9%Macomb Community College
2.9%Montgomery College
2.9%Gibbs College
2.9%University of Texas at Arlington
2.9%Majors
Degrees
Bachelors
43.7%Other
22.3%Associate
18.6%Masters
9.2%Certificate
4.3%Diploma
1.2%Doctorate
0.8%Help Desk Associate
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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