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Computer System Specialists Job Overview

Computer support specialists are trained professionals who take care of and repair malfunctioning computers. The rapid increase in computer usage in homes, schools, workplaces and almost everywhere else has further increased the importance of people who know their way around a computer.

Computer System Specialists Schools and Degrees

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees or associated degrees in computer science. Some companies like Microsoft and CISCO offer online certifications in various fields of computer support that aspiring candidates can earn. Solid work experience in any field of computer support is also very useful for candidates aspiring to get into major organizations.

Job Requirements

Computer support specialists need to have extensive knowledge about computers. They have to be able to diagnose problems with a computer just the way a doctor diagnoses ailments in a patient. Educational requirements for the job vary widely between employers. Some may insist that the candidate possess a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems. Others may require the candidate to possess an associate degree in any computer-related field. Still, some may just be happy with a certification in any computer related field and some relevant work experience. No matter what employers’ qualifications are, computer support specialists always need to have strong communication skills so that they can explain the nature of the problem to their clients. Clients may also need support over the phone or via e-mail, so specialists need to be able to communicate with the client properly.

Nature of Work

Computer systems specialists can work in a variety of fields depending on their educational backgrounds and work experience. Some may find work as system support technicians in companies where they assist people whose computers are not working properly. Others may find employment in technical support divisions solving problems that clients encounter over the phone or via e-mail. Others with extensive work experience may rise to the position of a system administrators, which pays very well.

The job of computer systems specialists can be quite strenuous. Towards the end of their careers, computer systems specialists often suffer from ailments like eye problems or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Computer System Specialists Jobs and Outlook

The job prospects for computer systems specialists are rising at a rapid rate. With the increase in usage of computers in homes, educational institutions and workplaces, computer systems specialists are in high demand in almost all industries. The employment of computer support specialists is expected to rise by as much as 18% between 2006 and 2016.

The mean hourly wage of computer systems specialists is around $21.78. They earn around $45,300 every year, on an average.

Job Numbers and Growth

How many computer system specialists are there? About 136,000 in all. Workers can most likely expect a low rate of unemployment. Note that 3% of employees were without work in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

Carson City (Nevada), Salem (Oregon), and Warner Robins (Georgia) boast the most computer system specialists for their size population. Cape Coral (Florida), Gary (Indiana), and Rochester (New York) have the fewest.

The highest salaries for workers are in and around Washington (District of Columbia), Atlantic City (New Jersey), and Pascagoula (Mississippi). The lowest-paying areas are Muskegon (Michigan), Provo (Utah), and Lakeland (Florida).

Training and Education

Expect to get an associate degree for this occupation. The share of computer system specialists with a bachelor's degree or higher is 68%. About 25% of workers got additional education after high school, but did not have to get a college degree. There was no need to go beyond high school for 7% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

It is estimated that 6% of computer system specialists work less than full time. Self-employment is the choice of 7% of workers.

Computer System Specialists by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

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