Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 690,200 people employed as computer user support specialists in the United States. The median annual salary is $49,770. Entry level employees earn approximately $34,220 per year and senior employees earn approximately $91,060 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
• Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.
• Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem-solving, monitoring, and installation of data communication equipment and software.
• Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
• Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
• Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
• Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
• Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
• Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
• Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
• Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
• Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
• Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
• Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
• Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.
• Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.

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