USA Career Guide - Computer Support Specialists

Education and Training Requirements of Computer Support Specialists in USA

To work as computer support specialist in United States one needs at least associates’ degree or post secondary qualification in computers and IT. Those with a bachelor’s degree in computers feild job opportunities as support specialists in highly sophisticated environments. In general computer support specialist works as help desk professions in call centers of computers and IT services at large. Those who wish to continue working as support professional requires updating skills related different technologies from  time to time.

Industrial Overview

According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics computer support specialists held about 607,100 jobs in 2010. In 2010, the industries employing the most computer support specialist were as follows:

• Computer systems design and related services - 18%
• Educational services; state, local, and private – 13%
• Information – 11%
• Finance and insurance – 7%
• Wholesale trade – 7%

Job Prospects of Computer Support Specialists

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 18% job growth in employment of computer support professionals from year 2010 to 2020. As computers and IT services are touching every field of life, in future requirement for more professionals will arise for maintenance work and customer support etc. Also existing work force will retire from work which will leave a vide for newcomers in the job.

Pay of a Computer Support Specialist in the US

According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage of computer support specialists was $46,260 in May 2010.  The top 10 percent earned more than $76,970. Computer support specialist works in shifts as well as on weekends, because support services may be needed anytime anywhere by customers. For working on weekends higher per hour wages are paid.