Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.
What the job is
- The work
- Computer support specialists maintain computer networks and provide technical help to computer users.
BLS
Computer Support Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- 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.
BLS
Computer Support Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Patient people who like fixing computer problems and explaining the fix to people who are not technical; some jobs mean nights or weekends.
- Career cluster
- Digital Technology
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (computer support specialists).
- Median pay
- $62,890 a year ($30.24 an hour)
BLS
Computer Support Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 903,100
- Typical entry
- Associate's degree (network support) or some college (user support); a diploma plus IT certifications can also qualify
- Training after hire
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- −3%, which BLS calls "decline"
BLS
Computer Support Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- −24,300 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- 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.
BLS
Computer Support Specialists — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- In short
- Network support specialists typically need an associate's degree and user support specialists some college courses, but either may qualify with a high school diploma plus IT certifications. Many move on to network, security or software jobs.
- License
- Not required
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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StateChoose a state
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Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Computer support specialist: certifications, associate's degree or college courses
See the roadmap
Route 1: High school diploma + IT certifications · Route 2: Associate's degree → network support · Route 3: From the help desk to other IT jobs
More careers in Digital Technology
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 20 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.