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Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link.

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.



Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs External Link
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 426 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:


Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($137,380)
Anesthesiologist Assistants / 42.69% / 91.42% / ($130,020)
Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($111,970)
Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($103,800)
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($102,420)
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($101,800)
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($101,750)
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($101,740)
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($99,710)
Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($98,540)
Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($98,300)
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($94,580)
Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($92,500)
Detectives and Criminal Investigators / 90.01% / 47.80% / ($91,100)
Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($91,100)
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($88,670)
Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($87,530)
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($87,290)
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers / 86.62% / 40.47% / ($86,220)
Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($86,070)
Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($86,070)
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($85,420)
Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($84,960)
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($84,570)
Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($84,270)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($83,740)
Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($82,710)
Chemical Plant and System Operators / 63.22% / 34.85% / ($80,030)
Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($79,590)
Respiratory Therapists / 87.90% / 70.85% / ($77,960)
Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($76,760)
Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($76,250)
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($76,210)
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($75,670)
Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)
Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($75,660)
Locomotive Engineers / 100.00% / 43.70% / ($74,770)
Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($74,160)
Writers and Authors / 53.05% / 31.03% / ($73,690)
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($73,500)
Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($73,500)
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling / 40.54% / 30.60% / ($73,460)
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians / 89.37% / 54.21% / ($73,410)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers / 93.45% / 84.29% / ($72,280)
Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($72,280)
Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($72,250)
Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($71,830)
Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($71,140)
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($71,130)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($70,530)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($69,260)
Park Naturalists / 40.02% / 56.05% / ($68,750)
Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($68,540)
Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($68,370)
Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($67,700)
Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($67,010)
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 73.61% / ($67,000)
Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($66,660)
Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($66,600)
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($66,170)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($65,630)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($65,130)
Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($65,030)
Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($64,940)
Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($64,690)
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers / 100.00% / 50.27% / ($64,640)
Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($64,080)
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($64,070)
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners / 97.15% / 72.23% / ($63,940)
Tapers / 100.00% / 36.42% / ($63,350)
Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($63,060)
Real Estate Brokers / 46.07% / 36.44% / ($63,060)
Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($62,980)
Structural Iron and Steel Workers / 94.98% / 58.18% / ($62,760)
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($61,870)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($61,800)
Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($61,770)
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($61,770)
Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($61,590)
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($61,550)
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($61,550)
Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($61,490)
Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,420)
Commercial Divers / 94.97% / 57.15% / ($61,300)
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers / 82.57% / 36.28% / ($61,270)
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($61,240)
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($61,210)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($60,970)
Surgical Technologists / 100.00% / 57.33% / ($60,610)
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($60,170)
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($59,730)
Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($59,640)
Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($59,570)
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($59,300)
Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($59,240)
Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($59,080)
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,920)
Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($58,780)
Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($58,670)
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,620)
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($58,530)
Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($58,350)
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,210)
Firefighters / 96.50% / 63.76% / ($57,120)
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($57,070)
Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($56,940)
Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($56,750)
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($56,660)
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($56,430)
Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($56,330)
Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($56,220)
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($55,750)
Massage Therapists / 96.16% / 92.30% / ($55,310)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($54,890)
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers / 100.00% / 52.98% / ($54,850)
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($54,690)
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($54,580)
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($54,320)
Real Estate Sales Agents / 90.47% / 80.95% / ($54,300)
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare / 83.48% / 33.51% / ($54,290)
Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($54,080)
Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($53,920)
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($53,900)
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 86.60% / 52.66% / ($53,550)
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($53,440)
Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($53,300)
Fallers / 100.00% / 44.59% / ($53,170)
Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($53,040)
Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($52,640)
Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($52,370)
Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($51,880)
Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($51,290)
Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($51,140)
Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($51,100)
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($51,030)
Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($50,840)
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($50,720)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($50,660)
Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($50,440)
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($50,270)
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($50,270)
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($50,250)
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($50,050)
Roofers / 93.40% / 50.59% / ($50,030)
Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($50,020)
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($49,990)
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic / 99.88% / 51.19% / ($49,670)
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($49,230)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($49,210)
Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($49,120)
Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($49,090)
Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($49,070)
Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($49,010)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($48,940)
Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($48,910)
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($48,900)
Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($48,890)
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($48,840)
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($48,840)
Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($48,790)
Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($48,740)
Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($48,690)
Mechanical Door Repairers / 100.00% / 69.74% / ($48,650)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($48,550)
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($48,480)
Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($48,460)
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($48,410)
Sailors and Marine Oilers / 99.22% / 77.61% / ($48,400)
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($48,380)
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($48,380)
Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($48,330)
Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($48,240)
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 98.92% / 65.45% / ($48,120)
Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($48,010)
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($47,950)
Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($47,760)
Meter Readers, Utilities / 97.61% / 65.98% / ($47,720)
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($47,710)
Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($47,700)
Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($47,690)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($47,540)
Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($47,540)
Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($47,520)
Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($47,470)
Patient Representatives / 61.52% / 43.37% / ($47,470)
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($47,450)
Gem and Diamond Workers / 80.99% / 47.06% / ($47,450)
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($47,440)
Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($47,430)
Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($47,410)
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($47,390)
Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($47,380)
Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($47,360)
Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($47,330)
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers / 86.23% / 50.66% / ($47,280)
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($47,250)
Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($47,170)
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($47,110)
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($47,040)
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 69.40% / ($46,990)
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($46,910)
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($46,900)
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($46,860)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($46,850)
Parking Enforcement Workers / 98.56% / 96.81% / ($46,840)
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($46,730)
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($46,650)
Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($46,540)
Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($46,530)
Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($46,500)
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($46,480)
Word Processors and Typists / 100.00% / 52.51% / ($46,450)
Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($46,420)
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners / 100.01% / 61.51% / ($46,410)
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,340)
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks / 85.74% / 37.43% / ($46,110)
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($46,100)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($45,850)
Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($45,850)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($45,760)
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers / 99.63% / 30.05% / ($45,760)
Farm Labor Contractors / 99.87% / 47.64% / ($45,730)
Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($45,660)
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($45,640)
Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($45,600)
Billing and Posting Clerks / 98.04% / 34.59% / ($45,590)
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($45,560)
Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($45,520)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($45,350)
Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($45,330)
Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($45,300)
Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($45,280)
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($44,980)
Medical Appliance Technicians / 72.03% / 43.86% / ($44,960)
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($44,890)
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($44,890)
New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($44,630)
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($44,620)
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($44,510)
Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($44,490)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($44,490)
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($44,470)
Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($44,410)
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 99.55% / 92.73% / ($44,390)
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 99.70% / 84.76% / ($44,310)
Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($44,300)
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($44,280)
Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($44,250)
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($44,240)
Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($44,170)
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($44,140)
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation / 87.18% / 80.53% / ($44,070)
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($44,030)
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($43,740)
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($43,540)
Pest Control Workers / 100.00% / 92.46% / ($43,470)
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers / 100.01% / 40.93% / ($43,310)
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($43,310)
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($43,270)
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters / 100.00% / 35.91% / ($43,260)
Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($43,200)
Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($43,180)
Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($43,180)
Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($43,170)
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($42,800)
Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($42,730)
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($42,670)
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.01% / 61.62% / ($42,610)
Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($42,590)
Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($42,470)
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($42,470)
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($42,420)
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($42,400)
Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($42,000)
Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($41,860)
Phlebotomists / 95.46% / 54.55% / ($41,810)
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($41,780)
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($41,600)
Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($41,410)
Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($40,760)
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($40,610)
Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($40,480)
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($40,300)
Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($40,300)
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($40,230)
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($40,200)
Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($40,040)
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($39,850)
Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($39,790)
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($39,780)
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($39,740)
Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($39,700)
Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($39,690)
Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($39,680)
Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($39,580)
Helpers--Carpenters / 100.00% / 94.63% / ($39,380)
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($39,360)
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($39,340)
Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($39,310)
Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($39,260)
Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($39,250)
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($39,210)
Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($39,160)
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($38,980)
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($38,940)
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($38,870)
Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($38,810)
Helpers--Roofers / 83.98% / 61.91% / ($38,620)
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($38,550)
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($38,520)
Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($38,460)
Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($38,340)
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($38,330)
Bicycle Repairers / 100.00% / 49.78% / ($38,320)
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($38,260)
Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($38,200)
Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($38,160)
File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($38,130)
Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($38,100)
Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($38,080)
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($38,000)
Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($37,950)
Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($37,790)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($37,720)
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($37,660)
Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($37,660)
Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($37,650)
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($37,650)
Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($37,640)
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($37,450)
Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($37,400)
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($37,380)
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers / 81.67% / 52.64% / ($37,360)
Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($37,150)
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($37,130)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($37,130)
Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($37,070)
Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($37,060)
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($37,040)
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($37,010)
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($36,970)
Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($36,970)
Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($36,970)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($36,880)
Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($36,860)
Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($36,830)
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($36,750)
Couriers and Messengers / 100.00% / 83.57% / ($36,710)
Helpers--Production Workers / 100.00% / 85.58% / ($36,700)
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($36,650)
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($36,620)
Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($36,600)
Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($36,520)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($36,440)
Stockers and Order Fillers / 99.71% / 85.41% / ($36,390)
Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($36,370)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($36,300)
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($36,230)
Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($36,200)
Barbers / 97.06% / 74.52% / ($36,150)
Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($36,110)
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($36,020)
Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($35,840)
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($35,820)
Tire Repairers and Changers / 97.60% / 80.02% / ($35,790)
Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($35,780)
Passenger Attendants / 100.01% / 76.63% / ($35,620)
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($35,620)
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($35,530)
Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($35,420)
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($35,340)
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($35,320)
Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($35,160)
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($35,120)
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($35,020)
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists / 100.00% / 60.71% / ($34,970)
Bakers / 100.00% / 78.42% / ($34,950)
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($34,910)
Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($34,840)
Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($34,830)
Floral Designers / 92.09% / 49.74% / ($34,690)
Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($34,480)
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($34,470)
Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($34,440)
Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($34,410)
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($34,360)
Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($34,250)
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($34,150)
Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($34,130)
Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($34,020)
Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($33,940)
Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($33,850)
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($33,820)
Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($33,680)
Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($33,520)
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 100.01% / 94.39% / ($33,450)
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($33,450)
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($33,230)
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($33,110)
Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($32,840)
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians / 99.99% / 95.80% / ($32,580)
Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($32,420)
Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($32,240)
Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($32,240)
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($32,240)
Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($31,940)
Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($31,510)
Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($31,200)
Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($31,200)
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($31,180)
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers / 100.00% / 95.07% / ($31,050)
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($30,790)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($30,380)
Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($30,370)
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers / 98.34% / 88.28% / ($29,780)
Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($29,720)
Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($29,540)
Baristas / 94.53% / 100.00% / ($29,540)
Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($29,530)
Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($29,390)
Cooks, Fast Food / 100.00% / 95.58% / ($29,260)
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($29,220)
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($29,170)
Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)
Actors / 65.47% / 62.11% / (Salary Not Available)
Musicians and Singers / 40.26% / 34.04% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Computer User Support Specialists.

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Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Computer User Support Specialists" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.




Computer User Support Specialists

Description: 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.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
654,800		 U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
712,800
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
58,000 (8.9%) 		Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
54,800
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Computer User Support Specialists":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
Importance: 98 (%) Description: Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.
Importance: 57 (%) Description: Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
Importance: 46 (%) Description: Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem-solving, monitoring, and installation of data communication equipment and software.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Document operational activities.
Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
Install computer hardware.
Install computer software.
Maintain computer hardware.
Modify software programs to improve performance.
Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
Participate in staffing decisions.
Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.
Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
Read documents to gather technical information.
Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
Resolve computer software problems.
Supervise information technology personnel.
Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
Test computer hardware performance.
Test software performance.
Train others in computer interface or software use.
Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: 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.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: 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.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Administration and Management: 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.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Active Listening: 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.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on the design or use of technologies.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Coordinate with others to resolve problems.
Activity: Design computer or information systems or applications.
Activity: Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Monitor operation of computer or information technologies.
Activity: Perform recruiting or hiring activities.
Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.
Activity: Research technology designs or applications.
Activity: Resolve computer problems.
Activity: Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systems.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Activity: Test performance of computer or information systems.
Activity: Train others to use equipment or products.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Data base user interface and query software:
ServiceNow
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software:
Microsoft Azure software
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Internet directory services software:
Microsoft Active Directory
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Apple iOS
Apple macOS
Linux
Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Widely Used Tech Skills
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software:
Firewall software
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Application server software:
Docker
GitHub
Spring Boot
Business intelligence and data analysis software:
Tableau
Cloud-based data access and sharing software:
Slack
Cloud-based management software:
Splunk Enterprise
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Configuration management software:
Chef
Puppet
Content workflow software:
Atlassian JIRA
Customer relationship management CRM software:
Salesforce software
Data base management system software (scroll table below):
Apache Cassandra
Apache Hadoop
Apache Hive
Elasticsearch
MongoDB
NoSQL
Oracle PL/SQL
Teradata Database
Data base reporting software:
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):
Amazon Redshift
Amazon Web Services AWS software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
MySQL
Oracle Database
Transact-SQL
Yardi software
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe InDesign
Development environment software (scroll table below):
Apache Kafka
Apache Maven
C
Eclipse IDE
Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft PowerShell
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Microsoft Visual Studio
Ruby
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Expert system software:
Ansible software
File versioning software:
Apache Subversion SVN
Git
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Medical software:
Epic Systems
MEDITECH software
Object or component oriented development software (scroll table below):
C#
C++
jQuery
Oracle Java
Perl
Python
Swift
Object oriented data base management software:
Hibernate ORM
PostgreSQL
Operating system software (scroll table below):
Bash
Google Android
Microsoft Windows Server
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Shell script
UNIX
UNIX Shell
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Program testing software:
JUnit
Project management software:
Atlassian Confluence
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Teams
Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Sales and marketing software:
Marketo Marketing Automation
Video conferencing software:
Cisco Webex
Zoom
Web page creation and editing software:
Facebook
Web platform development software (scroll table below):
AJAX
Apache Tomcat
Cascading style sheets CSS
Django
Google Angular
Hypertext markup language HTML
JavaScript
JavaScript Object Notation JSON
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Microsoft ASP.NET
Node.js
PHP
Spring Framework
Word processing software:
Google Docs
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Access software:
Citrix cloud computing software
Mac HelpMate
Accounting software:
Fund accounting software
Sage 50 Accounting
Tax software
Administration software:
Element management software
Analytical or scientific software:
StataCorp Stata
Application server software:
Oracle WebLogic Server
Red Hat WildFly
Authentication server software:
Password management software
Backup or archival software:
Disaster recovery software
Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service
Symantec LiveState
Veritas NetBackup
Business intelligence and data analysis software:
IBM Cognos Impromptu
MicroStrategy
Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
Qlik Tech QlikView
Cloud-based data access and sharing software:
Dropbox
Google Drive
Cloud-based management software:
IBM WebSphere
Cloud-based protection or security software:
SolarWinds
Clustering software:
VMware
Communications server software:
IBM Domino
Computer aided design CAD software:
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Computer based training software:
Moodle
Schoology
Configuration management software:
Automated installation software
Deployment software
Patch management software
Perforce Helix software
Data base management system software:
Apache Pig
Apache Solr
Relational database management software
Data base reporting software:
SAP Crystal Reports
Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):
Blackboard software
Data entry software
Database software
FileMaker Pro
iPro
Lucid IQ CMP
Oracle JDBC
Software asset management SAM software
Desktop communications software (scroll table below):
CrossTec NetOp Remote Control
ParentSquare
Remote control software
Skype
Stac Software ReachOut
Symantec pcAnywhere
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe Distiller
Microsoft Publisher
Development environment software (scroll table below):
Adobe ActionScript
Apache Ant
Common business oriented language COBOL
Integrated development environment IDE software
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software:
IBM Notes
Microsoft Exchange
Enterprise application integration software:
Atlassian Bamboo
IBM InfoSphere DataStage
Oracle Fusion Middleware
Enterprise resource planning ERP software (scroll table below):
Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics GP
NetSuite ERP
Oracle Fusion Applications
Oracle Hyperion
Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
SAP Business Objects
Enterprise system management software:
IBM Power Systems software
Filesystem software:
Desktop partitioning software
Symantec Norton Utilities
Financial analysis software:
Delphi Technology
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Geographic information system:
Geographic information system GIS software
Graphical user interface development software:
Salesforce Visualforce
Graphics or photo imaging software:
SmugMug Flickr
Helpdesk or call center software:
Call center software
Help desk software
Human resources software:
Human resource management software HRMS
Oracle Taleo
Industrial control software:
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Information retrieval or search software:
Information systems integration software
LexisNexis
Instant messaging software:
Blink
Internet directory services software:
Active directory software
Domain name system DNS
Network directory services software
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software:
Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
Metadata management software:
Quest Erwin Data Modeler
Multi-media educational software:
Nearpod
Seesaw
Network conferencing software:
LogMeIn GoToWebinar
Network monitoring software:
Dartware InterMapper
Nagios
Wireshark
Network operation system software:
Remote install server software
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software:
Virtual private networking VPN software
Object or component oriented development software:
Advanced business application programming ABAP
Apache Groovy
Microsoft ActiveX
Objective C
Operating system software (scroll table below):
Cisco IOS
Event log monitor software
Hewlett Packard HP-UX
Job control language JCL
KornShell
Microsoft Windows Pre-installation Environment
Operating system monitoring software
Oracle Solaris
Ubuntu
Platform interconnectivity software:
Migration software
Portal server software:
Apache HTTP Server
Presentation software:
Poll Everywhere
Program testing software:
Defect tracking software
Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
Personal computer diagnostic software
Project management software:
Google Classroom
Requirements analysis and system architecture software:
Unified modeling language UML
Storage networking software:
Media storage management software
Transaction security and virus protection software:
Encryption software
McAfee
NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
Virus scanning software
Transaction server software:
Customer information control system CICS
Video conferencing software:
Google Meet
LogMeIn GoToMeeting
Video creation and editing software:
Apple Final Cut Pro
Flipgrid
YouTube
Web page creation and editing software:
Adobe Dreamweaver
Google Sites
Web platform development software (scroll table below):
Apache Struts
Drupal
Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
Enterprise JavaBeans
Ext JS
Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
LAMP Stack
Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC
Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
Ruby on Rails
Word processing software:
3M Post-it App
Microsoft OneNote
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
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.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
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 Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 47.3 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 32.3 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 13.7 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 4.1 (%) Level of Education: First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
Frequency of Attainment: 1.9 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 0.3 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 0.3 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 51.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 32.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 13.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 2.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 0.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 0.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Associate in Information Technology External Link
Avid Certified Support Representative: Media Composer External Link
Avid Certified User: iNEWS External Link
Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist - Technical/Software Support Staff External Link
Certified Wireless Design Professional External Link
Certified Wireless Technology Specialist External Link
Citrix Endpoint Management Certified External Link
Citrix ShareFile Certified External Link
CompTIA IT Fundamentals External Link
Computer Service Technician External Link
Computer Skills Specialist External Link
HDI Certified Customer Service Representative External Link
HDI Certified Instructor External Link
HDI Desktop Advanced Support Technician External Link
HDI Problem Management Professional External Link
HDI Support Center Analyst External Link
HDI Support Center Team Lead External Link
Linux Server Professional Certification - Level 1 External Link
SMAX Certified Specialist External Link
Specialist - Implementation Engineer, Campus Networking Version 1.0 External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
HDI External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Computer User Support Specialists
Application Customer Service Representative (Application CSR)
Application Support Engineer
Applications Analyst
Automatic Data Processing Customer Liaison (ADP Customer Liaison)
Call Center Support Representative (Call Center Support Rep)
Cloud Operations Specialist
Computer Customer Support Specialist
Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech)
Computer Help Desk Representative (Computer Help Desk Rep)
Computer Help Desk Specialist
Computer Lab Assistant (Computer Laboratory Assistant)
Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech)
Computer Operator
Computer Specialist
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician)
Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician)
Computer Systems Specialist
Computer Tech (Computer Technician)
Computer Technical Specialist
Computer Technologist
Customer Liaison
Customer Service Technician (Customer Service Tech)
Customer Support Analyst
Customer Support Rep (Customer Support Representative)
Customer Support Specialist
Desktop Analyst
Desktop Support Analyst
Desktop Support Engineer
Desktop Support Manager
Desktop Support Specialist
Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech)
Desktop Technician (Desktop Tech)
End User Support Specialist
Health Information Technology Specialist
Help Desk Analyst
Help Desk Coordinator
Help Desk Operator
Help Desk Representative (Help Desk Rep)
Help Desk Specialist
Help Desk Support Specialist
Help Desk Support Technician (Help Desk Support Tech)
Help Desk Tech (Help Desk Technician)
IS Tech (Information Systems Technician)
IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst)
IT Associate (Information Technology Associate)
IT Generalist (Information Technology Generalist)
IT Help Desk Tech (Information Technology Help Desk Technician)
IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist)
IT Support Analyst (Information Technology Support Analyst)
IT Support Engineer (Information Technology Support Engineer)
IT Support Specialist (Information Technology Support Specialist)
IT Support Tech (Information Technology Support Technician)
IT Tech (Information Technology Technician)
LAN Applications Support Analyst (Local Area Network Applications Support Analyst)
Micro Computer Specialist
Micro Computer Support Specialist
Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech)
Operating Systems Specialist (OS Specialist)
Operations Support Technician (Operations Support Tech)
PC Consultant (Personal Computer Consultant)
PC Installation Engineer (Personal Computer Installation Engineer)
PC Specialist (Personal Computer Specialist)
PC Support Specialist (Personal Computer Support Specialist)
PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician)
PC Systems Coordinator (Personal Computer Systems Coordinator)
PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
Printer Technician (Printer Tech)
Product Support Consultant
Product Support Engineer
Product Support Specialist
Service Desk Analyst
Software Installer
Support Engineer
Support Specialist
Support Technician (Support Tech)
Technical Services Specialist
Technical Support Analyst
Technical Support Call Center Representative (Technical Support Call Center Rep)
Technical Support Engineer
Technical Support Representative (Technical Support Rep)
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Technician (Technical Support Tech)
User Support Analyst
User Support Specialist
Work Station Support Specialist
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Computer User Support Specialists" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Computer Network Support Specialists
2 - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
3 - Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
4 - Computer Systems Analysts
5 - Software Developers
6 - Database Administrators
7 - Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
8 - Information Security Analysts
9 - Information Security Engineers
10 - Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
11 - Computer Network Architects
12 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
13 - Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
14 - Computer Programmers
15 - Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
16 - Computer and Information Systems Managers
17 - Web Administrators
18 - Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
19 - Web and Digital Interface Designers
20 - Broadcast Technicians

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Computer User Support Specialists". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Computer User Support Specialists". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Computer User Support Specialists". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Computer User Support Specialists


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Computer User Support Specialists" occupation.






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