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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Occupational Requirements Survey > Publications > Factsheets

Computer user support specialists

Two females and a male wearing headphones with a microphone. 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.

For terms and definitions in this profile, see definitions of major terms.

Cognitive and mental requirements

The qualifications that workers need to use judgment, make decisions, interact with others, and adapt to changes in jobs.

In 2025, more than basic people skills were required for 97.0 percent of computer user support specialists. Basic people skills were required for 3.0 percent.

Table 1. Percentage of computer user support specialists with cognitive and mental requirements, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Work schedule varies	30.6	69.4
Ability to pause work (and take brief unscheduled breaks)	86.7	13.3
Working around crowds	<0.5	>99.5
Telework routinely allowed	52.4	47.6
Supervising others	1.3	98.7
Supervisor present in immediate work area	39.2	60.8
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey

Education, training, and experience requirements

The minimum level of formal education required, credentials necessary, on-the-job training, and prior work experience necessary for average performance in jobs. The time associated with these requirements is combined to calculate the specific vocational preparation level needed for the job.

In 2025, prior work experience was required for 56.8 percent of computer user support specialists and on-the-job training was required for 86.2 percent.

A high school diploma was required for 43.6 percent of computer user support specialists and an associate's degree was required for 32.9 percent.

Environmental conditions

The various hazards or difficulties that are in the area where workers perform their critical tasks.

In 2025, a quiet noise exposure was present for 40.8 percent of computer user support specialists. Another 59.2 percent were exposed to moderate noise, less than 0.5 percent were exposed to loud noise, and less than 0.5 percent to very loud noise. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was used by less than 0.5 percent of workers to mitigate noise exposure and was not used by greater than 99.5 percent.

Physical demands

The physical activities required to perform tasks in jobs. The presence and, in some cases, duration of these activities are published.

In 2025, speaking was required for greater than 99.5 percent of computer user support specialists and was not required for less than 0.5 percent. For less than 0.5 percent of workers, speaking was seldom required, for 62.6 percent speaking was occasionally required, for 37.2 percent speaking was frequently required, and for less than 0.5 percent speaking was required constantly.

Performing work in low postures was required for 42.3 percent of computer user support specialists and was not required for 57.7 percent.

The choice to sit or stand when performing critical tasks was available to 75.6 percent of computer user support specialists. On average, workers spent 81.2 percent of the workday sitting and 18.8 percent of the workday standing.

Table 2. Percentage of computer user support specialists with physical demands, 2025
Requirement	Yes	No
Ability to choose to sit or stand for tasks	75.6	24.4
Driving	17.8	82.2
Climbing structure-related ramps or stairs	6.3	93.7
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey