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What is a software computer specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Lesley Farmer,
Oriehi Destiny Anyaiwe
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a software computer specialist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $46.2 an hour? That's $96,088 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 10% and produce 83,100 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a software computer specialist?

Dr. Lesley FarmerDr. Lesley Farmer LinkedIn profile

Professor of Library Media, CSULB Teacher Librarian Program Coordinator, CSU ICT Literacy Project Manager, California State University - Long Beach

Get to know the site before interviewing, and remember that even interviews are an opportunity to practice communication skills-and to see if there's a good match between you and the site. Once hired, learn about the organizational culture and develop trustful relationships. Make one memorable contribution the first month, but focus on becoming an expert before changing others. In addition, join a local and national professional association to keep current and network.
ScoreSoftware Computer SpecialistUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $96,088

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 11.73%

Black or African American 12.24%

Hispanic or Latino 14.77%

Unknown 5.28%

White 55.58%

Gender

female 28.70%

male 71.30%

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 software computer specialist

  1. Explore software computer specialist education requirements

    Most common software computer specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    58.1 %

    Associate

    24.3 %

    Master's

    9.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific software computer specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Linux15.17%
    Data Entry12.56%
    Computer Software10.24%
    Install Servers10.16%
    Troubleshoot8.03%
  3. Complete relevant software computer specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software computer specialists 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 software computer specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software computer specialist resumes.
  4. Research software computer specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage collaborative CSV documentation efforts using Microsoft SharePoint.
    • Develop customized business database applications.
    • Install all hardware components such as: hard drive bays, floppy drive, memory, CPU processor and CD-ROM drive.
    • Develop customized business database applications.
  5. Prepare your software computer specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your software computer specialist 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 software computer specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable software computer specialist resume templates

    Build a professional software computer 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 software computer specialist resume.
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
    Software Computer Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for software computer specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a software computer specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first software computer specialist job

Zippi

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Average software computer specialist salary

The average software computer specialist salary in the United States is $96,088 per year or $46 per hour. Software computer specialist salaries range between $69,000 and $132,000 per year.

Average software computer specialist salary
$96,088 Yearly
$46.20 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do software computer specialists rate their job?

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Software computer specialist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Cons

sometimes i get tired of working on small computer issue for long time due to lack of equipment and i get bored with opening printer drums, refilling cartridges makes a dirty technician.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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