Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate’s degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications. PayThe median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $76,220 in May 2025.The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $61,860 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 48,700 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer support specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer support specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $76,220 in May 2025.The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $61,860 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 48,700 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer support specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer support specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 48,700 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer support specialists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer support specialists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.
Work Environment
Most computer support specialists work full time. Because computer support services may need to be available 24 hours a day, some specialists work nights or weekends.
How to Become a Computer Support Specialist
Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate’s degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $76,220 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $61,860 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 48,700 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer support specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer support specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most computer support specialists work full time. Because computer support services may need to be available 24 hours a day, some specialists work nights or weekends.
How to Become a Computer Support Specialist
Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate’s degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.
Pay
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists was $76,220 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $61,860 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 48,700 openings for computer support specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer support specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer support specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for computer support specialists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of computer support specialists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about computer support specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.