Career Explorer Computing and maths
Changing shape
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.
Among the careers AI is changing fastest: more resilient than 1% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by -3.5% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on creative vision.
AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.
- Median pay (2025)
- $61,860
- Job growth to 2035
- -3.5%
- Openings a year
- 39,700
- People doing it (2025)
- 751,000
- Usual route in
- Some college, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systems
- Advise others on the design or use of technologies
- Read documents or materials to inform work processes
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Maintain operational records
- Train others to use equipment or products
- Supervise personnel activities
What the work looks like
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- Fewer of these jobs, as more businesses offshore their computer user support or solve computer troubleshooting needs using generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Computer network support specialistsChanging shape, Index 4, +1.2%
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including healthGrows with AI, Index 47, +6.9%
- Private detectives and investigatorsGrows with AI, Index 58, +5.5%
- Pest control workersHuman edge, growing, Index 72, +5.5%
Also known as: Computer Support Specialist, Computer Tech (Computer Technician), IS Tech (Information Systems Technician), IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist), Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech), Help Desk Analyst, Help Desk Tech (Help Desk Technician), IT Support Specialist (Information Technology Support Specialist).
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.