Computer Support Specialist Jobs

Employment of computer support specialists is expected to grow 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More support services will be needed as organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software. Computer support staff will be needed to respond to the installation and repair requirements of increasingly complex computer equipment and software.

Employment growth should also be strong in healthcare industries. This field is expected to greatly increase its use of information technology (IT), and support services will be crucial to keep everything running properly.

Some lower level tech support jobs, commonly found in call centers, may be sent to countries that have lower wage rates. However, a recent trend to move jobs to lower cost regions of the United States may offset some loss of jobs to other countries.

Job prospects should be favorable. There are usually clear advancement possibilities for this occupation, creating new job openings. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree and a strong technical background should have the best job opportunities.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Computer Support Specialists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm (visited September 19, 2012).