What Computer User Support Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Computer User Support Specialists this way: "Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems"; "Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors"; "Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications"; "Oversee the daily performance of computer systems"; "Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is some college, no degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Computer User Support Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 750,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 724,400 in 2035, a decrease of 26,200 jobs (-3.5%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 39,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $61,860, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Computer User Support Specialists earn the most
Across the 22 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $56,880 in Michigan to $84,411 in California, a gap of $27,530 (1.48 times). 13 of those 22 states average above the BLS national median of $61,860 and 9 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 68,110, which is 10.3% of the 661,190 counted across them. Texas follows with 61,330.
Highest-paying states
California ($84,411), District of Columbia ($77,860) and New Hampshire ($76,026) lead the ranking, while Michigan ($56,880) and Florida ($57,753) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Computer User Support Specialists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 28 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Sacramento County, CA (Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA) at $46,283. The smallest margin is $17,356 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 28 of the 28 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 20.9% and 56.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Computer User Support Specialists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Software Developers, Computer Network Architects, Information Security Analysts and Web and Digital Interface Designers.
Frequently asked questions about Computer User Support Specialists
What is the national median wage for Computer User Support Specialists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $61,860. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $56,880 to $84,411.
Which state pays Computer User Support Specialists the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $84,411. District of Columbia is next at $77,860.
What is the job outlook for Computer User Support Specialists?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 3.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 39,700 openings a year.
What education do Computer User Support Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is some college, no degree and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Computer User Support Specialists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Sacramento County, CA leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $46,283 on a median wage of $106,040.