If you find yourself seeking a career change and feel you are up to the challenge, information technology is a smart choice. This burgeoning career sector doesn’t have enough qualified workers to meet current demands.
So it comes as no surprise that Inc. Magazine lists the number one reason for making switch to IT as: “It ‘s Where the Jobs Are.”
What is a Computer Support Specialist?
These information technology professionals are adept in log-in assistance, operation systems, software, hardware and networking. These core proficiencies enable them to help customers resolve common issues.
Types of problems that computer support specialists commonly resolve include:
- Hardware issues
- Log-in problems
- Software errors
- Network errors
- Driver updates
- Registry errors
A computer support specialist is a technology-based customer support position. In a given day, these professionals will field numerous phone calls and will rely on communication skills, working knowledge of computers, software and hardware and logical reasoning to help resolve common issues experienced by users. Typically, they ‘ll provide step-by-step guidance on how to correct an issue over the phone or by using screensharing technology.
Anyone who uses a computer has experienced frustration at times that has required a call to a computer support professional. Well-educated support experts know this frustration first hand and are able to deliver adequate advice with pinpoint precision and accuracy to help users (often customers of the services provider they work for) to resolve their issue in a timely manner.
This industry isn ‘t just limited to phone support or screensharing, though.
Computer support specialists also help with network and connectivity issues, too. Commonly, these types of professionals are called “computer network support specialists.” Like the aforementioned, a lot of phone time is involved in this position as well.
Network support specialists also provide troubleshooting and are trained to detect issues that are causing a network to malfunction while also assisting with routine maintenance to preserve efficiency and uptime.
Computer Support Specialist Job Outlook
As we ‘ve mentioned above, information technology is one of the hottest career sectors in the U.S., and also is one of the fastest growing. Disruptive technologies, like cloud computing, have created an ever-present need for more experts in this field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for this career sector is growing by 11% year-over-year. Currently, more than 835,000 computer support specialist jobs in the U.S., with an estimated 88,500 new jobs to be added by 2026. The average median pay grade hovers around $52,000 per year, with some specialists earning as much as $90,000, depending on educational background and experience.
Unsurprisingly, U.S. News and World Report currently ranks this field in their top ten for “Best Technology Jobs.” It ‘s listed in the ninth position overall.
Statistics Recap:
- $52,160 Median Salary
- $90,000 Upper Salary (top 10)
- 3% Unemployment Rate
- 87,100 Number of Open Jobs
- Year-over-year growth of 11%
- Top 10 tech job as reported by U.S. News & World Report
Computer Support Specialist Salary
A computer support specialist salary is quite often determined by factors such as on the job experience and learning, certifications and preliminary as well as post secondary education.
But the most important factor for companies that are hiring today is overall ability and core competency. Good advice includes being proficient in Microsoft Office and gaining certification in computer competency.
