What’s a Computer Support Specialist?

A recent report by Cybersecurity Ventures and Evolution Equity Partners projected losses due to cyberattacks would grow 15% per year in 2024 and 2025, reaching $10.5 trillion annually by the end of 2025. To keep their data and operations safe, organizations need trained professionals who can safeguard their computer networks against these threats. Computer support specialists play a crucial role in the fight against cybercrime, along with other important responsibilities within computer network support.

Preparing for a career as a computer support specialist starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology (IT) or cybersecurity to learn the skills needed to succeed in the role.

What Does a Computer Support Specialist Do? 

There are two primary types of computer support specialists. Computer network support specialists troubleshoot computer network issues and help maintain their organization’s networks, through both routine maintenance and disaster recovery.

Computer user support specialists, also known as help-desk technicians, focus more on helping individual users. They solve a variety of issues and respond to help requests they receive by phone, in online chats, in emails, or in person.

Computer Support Specialist Job Description

The tasks and responsibilities listed in a job description for a computer network support specialist might include:

• Assessing current network systems

• Performing routine maintenance to keep networks operational

• Troubleshooting wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and internet systems

• Participating in disaster recovery efforts

For a user support specialist, the job description may include:

• Working with customers to diagnose computer issues

• Documenting computer problems

• Walking customers through the steps to solve a problem

• Setting up or repairing computer equipment and devices

• Training customers on hardware or software

• Communicating ongoing issues to team members and managers

Computer Support Specialist Work Environments

Computer support specialists work in various types of settings. Network support specialists work for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that use computer networks. As computer networks become more complex, the need for these specialists is likely to increase.

User support specialists are employed in a variety of workplaces. For instance, a hospital might employ a user support specialist to help patients access their electronic health records and schedule appointments online. A tech startup may hire a help-desk technician to instruct users on how to create and manage their accounts on the company’s platforms. 

Computer Support Specialist Salary and Job Outlook 

Virtually all computer-focused occupations are growing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the computer support specialist field is no exception. The job outlook and median salary for computer support specialists reflect their necessity in modern workplaces of all types.

Salary

The median annual salary for computer support specialists of all types was $60,810 in 2023, according to the BLS. The median salary for computer user support specialists in particular was $59,240, while the median salary for computer network support specialists was higher at $71,530.

Job Outlook

The number of positions for computer support specialists is expected to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS, outpacing the national average. Computer network support specialists are expected to see a 7% increase, and computer user support specialists a 5% increase.

Experience as a computer support specialist can set an individual on a path to pursue even more lucrative roles, such as that of an information security analyst, a profession with a median annual salary of $120,360 in 2023 according to the BLS, or that of a systems administrator, a profession with a median annual salary of $95,360. Some individuals may prefer to move into a role as a cybersecurity consultant .

Planning for a Career as a Computer Support Specialist

The path to a career as a computer support specialist starts with learning relevant cybersecurity and information technology skills. Gaining a certification in the field also may be helpful.

Education Requirements

In general, computer support specialists can begin working with a high school diploma. They need to have basic computer knowledge and should have taken courses in fields such as server administration and information security. 

However, employers often prefer that user support specialists have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and are more likely to require one for network specialists. An undergraduate degree can also open the door to higher starting salaries.

Professional Certification

To make themselves more competitive, candidates may consider earning a specialized credential, such as the CompTIA A+ credential, an advanced certification for IT professionals. Some companies may also want their computer support specialists to be certified in the particular software or hardware they will be using.

Necessary Skills

Aspiring computer support specialists need to build skills in areas that include:

• Communication: Computer support specialists must be able to clearly communicate problems and solutions to customers, team leaders, and colleagues.
• Customer service: Particularly as user support specialists, computer support specialists must be well-versed in providing customer service and navigating potential issues with customers. 
• Problem-solving: Computer support specialists should be able to solve complex problems.
• Technology: Computer support specialists must have deep IT knowledge that they can apply in their work and a thorough understanding of the tools and platforms they use every day.

Help Keep a Company Running Smoothly as a Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists help organizations and their customers use their computer systems more effectively. Network support specialists not only help keep computer systems operating, but they are also key players in defending systems from cybersecurity threats. User support specialists ensure that customers are using platforms properly and can access the information and tools they need. 

By enrolling in the online Bachelor of Science in Information & Cybersecurity Technology (ICT), Cybersecurity concentration program at East Carolina University®, students can learn everything they need to know to prepare for a career as a computer support specialist and earn any of a number of valuable certifications. Students get hands-on experience in areas such as advanced cybersecurity principles and practices, digital forensics and incident response, and cyber threat intelligence and risk management. 

Prepare for a promising career in cybersecurity , IT, and computer support with East Carolina University.

Recommended Readings

Systems Engineer: Salary and Job Description

Information Technology vs. Industrial Technology: Education and Outcomes

A Look at Cybersecurity Certifications: Options for Graduates

Sources:

CompTIA, CompTIA A+

Cybercrime Magazine, “2024 Cybersecurity Almanac: 100 Facts, Figures, Predictions and Statistics”

Payscale, Average Computer Support Specialist Hourly Pay

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Support Specialists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Network and Computer Systems Administrators