Occupation profile

Computer User Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

Apprenticeship

Median Wage

$61,860/yr • $29.74/hr

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Full Occupation Profile
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Education
Bachelor's degree: N/A%
Post-secondary certificate: N/A%
Associate's degree: N/A%
Skills
Active Listening
75

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension
75

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Speaking
75

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking
69

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving
66

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Writing
63

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Judgment and Decision Making
56

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Active Learning
53

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies
53

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring
53

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Service Orientation
53

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Social Perceptiveness
53

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Instructing
50

Teaching others how to do something.

Operations Monitoring
50

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Systems Analysis
50

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Time Management
50

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Troubleshooting
50

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Coordination
47

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Operation and Control
47

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Quality Control Analysis
47

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Systems Evaluation
47

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Persuasion
41

Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Management of Personnel Resources
35

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Negotiation
35

Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Operations Analysis
35

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Installation
31

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Mathematics
31

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Programming
31

Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Equipment Maintenance
28

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Repairing
28

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Technology Design
25

Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Equipment Selection
22

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Management of Material Resources
22

Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

Science
19

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Management of Financial Resources
16

Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Knowledge Areas

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

The ability to see details at a distance.

The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

The ability to see under low-light conditions.

The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Context

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

Duration of Typical Work Week
79

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

How much does this job require sitting?

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

How much does this job require standing?

How much does this job require walking or running?

How automated is the job?

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

Work Schedules
0

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

Technology Skills

Web platform development software

  • Django
  • Google Angular
  • Microsoft ASP.NET
  • Spring Framework

Data base user interface and query software

  • Blackboard software
  • MySQL
  • ServiceNow
  • Transact-SQL

Operating system software

  • Apple iOS
  • Google Android
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • UNIX Shell

Development environment software

  • Apache Kafka
  • Apache Maven
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Microsoft PowerShell

Data base management system software

  • Apache Hive
  • Elasticsearch
  • MongoDB
  • Oracle PL/SQL

Object or component oriented development software

  • C#
  • jQuery
  • Perl
  • Swift

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Oracle Fusion Applications
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software

Configuration management software

  • Chef
  • Patch management software
  • Perforce Helix software
  • Puppet

Desktop communications software

  • ParentSquare
  • Remote control software
  • Skype
  • Stac Software ReachOut

Application server software

  • Docker
  • GitHub
  • Oracle WebLogic Server
  • Spring Boot

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro

Enterprise application integration software

  • Extensible markup language XML
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
  • Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS
  • Oracle Fusion Middleware

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Business intelligence and data analysis software

  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Qlik Tech QlikView
  • Tableau

Project management software

  • Atlassian Confluence
  • Google Classroom
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Video conferencing software

  • Cisco Webex
  • Google Meet
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • Zoom

Word processing software

  • 3M Post-it App
  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft OneNote
  • Microsoft Word

Internet directory services software

  • Active directory software
  • Domain name system DNS
  • Microsoft Active Directory
  • Network directory services software

Transaction security and virus protection software

  • Encryption software
  • McAfee
  • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Virus scanning software

Backup or archival software

  • Disaster recovery software
  • Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service
  • Symantec LiveState
  • Veritas NetBackup

Program testing software

  • Defect tracking software
  • Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
  • JUnit
  • Personal computer diagnostic software

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Outlook

Accounting software

  • Fund accounting software
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Tax software

Network monitoring software

  • Dartware InterMapper
  • Nagios
  • Wireshark

Desktop publishing software

  • Adobe Distiller
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Microsoft Publisher

Video creation and editing software

  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Flipgrid
  • YouTube

Cloud-based data access and sharing software

  • Dropbox
  • Google Drive
  • Slack

Analytical or scientific software

  • SAS
  • StataCorp Stata
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Web page creation and editing software

  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Facebook
  • Google Sites

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS software

Medical software

  • Epic Systems
  • MEDITECH software

Filesystem software

  • Desktop partitioning software
  • Symantec Norton Utilities

Helpdesk or call center software

  • Call center software
  • Help desk software

Access software

  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Mac HelpMate

Object oriented data base management software

  • Hibernate ORM
  • PostgreSQL

Document management software

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft SharePoint

Computer based training software

  • Moodle
  • Schoology

File versioning software

  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • Git

Financial analysis software

  • Delphi Technology
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials

Data base reporting software

  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
  • SAP Crystal Reports

Human resources software

  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Oracle Taleo

Multi-media educational software

  • Nearpod
  • Seesaw

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Poll Everywhere

Cloud-based management software

  • IBM WebSphere
  • Splunk Enterprise

Information retrieval or search software

  • Information systems integration software
  • LexisNexis

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Metadata management software

  • Quest Erwin Data Modeler

Content workflow software

  • Atlassian JIRA

Authentication server software

  • Password management software

Enterprise system management software

  • IBM Power Systems software

Expert system software

  • Ansible software

Network operation system software

  • Remote install server software

Clustering software

  • VMware

Communications server software

  • IBM Domino

Portal server software

  • Apache HTTP Server

Network security or virtual private network VPN management software

  • Virtual private networking VPN software

Customer relationship management CRM software

  • Salesforce software

Network conferencing software

  • LogMeIn GoToWebinar

Transaction server software

  • Customer information control system CICS

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software

  • Firewall software

Graphical user interface development software

  • Salesforce Visualforce

Instant messaging software

  • Blink

Administration software

  • Element management software

Sales and marketing software

  • Marketo Marketing Automation

Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software

  • Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software

Platform interconnectivity software

  • Migration software

Cloud-based protection or security software

  • SolarWinds

Requirements analysis and system architecture software

  • Unified modeling language UML

Storage networking software

  • Media storage management software

Industrial control software

  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Process mapping and design software

  • Microsoft Visio
Detailed Work Activities
Work Styles
Dependability
80

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

Attention to Detail
78

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

Cooperation
66

A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

Perseverance
59

A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

Intellectual Curiosity
58

A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Social Orientation
58

A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Adaptability
55

A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

Stress Tolerance
54

A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

Integrity
51

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

Cautiousness
50

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

Self-Control
50

A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

Achievement Orientation
46

A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

Initiative
42

A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Optimism
41

A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Tolerance for Ambiguity
41

A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Self-Confidence
38

A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Empathy
37

A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Sincerity
36

A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Humility
33

A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Innovation
32

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Leadership Orientation
8

A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Reference

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET Career Exploration Tools by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the O*NET Tools Developer License. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Beesla has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.