Also called: Computer User Support Specialist, IT Support Specialist
Helps people fix computer problems in person, by phone, or by chat.
Your queue fills with tickets: a forgotten password, a printer that won't print, a laptop that got coffee spilled on it. You fix what you can, explain things patiently, and escalate the tough ones.
May 2025 BLS median about $61,550 for computer support specialists.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. HS diploma plus certifications like CompTIA A+; associate degree common.
Ways in: Certification, 2-year college, On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Information Technology (certificate), Computer Support (associate).
Shrinking (about -3% over 10 years). BLS projects a 3% decline (2025-35) as AI chatbots and self-service tools handle routine tickets.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI chat and self-service fix most password and software issues, cutting help desk jobs; desk-side hardware help remains.
Classes: Computer applications, AP Computer Science Principles.
Official data: O*NET occupation 15-1232.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.