This document provides information about the role of a computer support specialist. It describes that a computer support specialist repairs and maintains computers and servers, installing software and hardware. A degree is required, such as an associate's degree in computers. Typical duties include answering phone calls for technical support, troubleshooting problems onsite, and providing advice to users. Computer support specialists typically work 40 hours a week during daytime hours in well-lit offices, though overtime may occasionally be required. Salaries range from $30,000 to $77,000 depending on experience and qualifications. The field is growing as technology use increases in industries.

1. Computer Support
Specialist
Jim Thao
Hour 3
Intro to Electronics

2. What is a Computer Support
Specialist?
 It’s a person who repairs and maintains
computers and their servers.
 They will usually build (fix) or configure
hardware, or install software packages
and updates.

3. Requirements to Become A
Computer Support Specialist
 A college degree is
Required
 In some cases if working
with Network
administration or other
advanced technical
issues, a Bachelors
degree in Computer
Science will be required
 Any type of computer-
related associate degree
 A technical background

4. Typical Workday
• They answer phone calls from
people/business that have technical
computer problems.
• If it is a help desk technician, they will
answer peoples calls, and guide the
person to fix the computer problem.
• May go to area with problem, and fix the
technical computer problem themselves.
• Work with hardware and software.
• They will give people computer answers,
tips, and advice.
• They work about 40 hours a week. They
usually have off on weekends. But in other
situations, they will work overtime or on
weekends if their employer wants
extended computer support.
• They usually will work day to day (except
weekends unless told to) administrative
support.

5. Working Conditions
 Work in well-lit offices
and labs.
 Work with other support
specialist around office,
may answer one question
alone but may work with
a team if necessary.
 Work for long periods of
time
 Can be susceptible to
eyestrain from monitors,
back discomfort, and
hand and risk problems.

6. Pay (Salary Yearly Basis)
 Depends on the Years of
experience with Computer
Support
 1-4 years experience salary
(Year) – $30,000 to $45,000
 5-9 years experience salary
(Year) - $38,000 to $53,000
 10-19 years experience
salary (Year) - $40,000 to
$60,000
 20 years + experience salary
(Year) - $50,000 to $77,000

7. Employment
 Increasing Employment Rate
 Prediction was that from 2006-
2016, there would be an 18%
increase of employment.
◦ Employment in 2006 –
552,000 people
◦ Expected Employment in
2016 – 624,000 people
 The future holds many more
people that will be employed
for this job, as computers and
technology are rapidly growing.

8. How it has Changed
 Changed by a lot of employment
because of Industries around the
world depending a lot on
computers and the rapid growth
of technology.
 Working conditions require more
people in a specified work place
because of so much demand in
solving computer problems, with
the majority of businesses
depending on computers.

9. Why I Chose This Career
 I’ve always liked building
things, taking things apart
and fixing stuff. I will
replace parts from my
computer at home, and
would fix it up. I would add
new stuff to make it work
much better. I am usually
called to fix one of my
relatives computers and it
seems like a career where I
can help people easily.

10. Sources
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_re
pair_technician
 http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm
 http://www.worldwidelearn.com/career-
planning-education/technology/computer-
support-specialist.htm#working-
conditions
 http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Jo
b=Computer_Technical_Support_Specialis
t/Salary