Where AI can help
AI can suggest diagnostics and retrieve known procedures.
Technology · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Computer User Support Specialists
Help users resolve software and equipment problems. They investigate symptoms, document resolutions and set up working environments.
Observed AI exposure46.8%Anthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection-3.5%2025–2035
Education typically neededSome college, no degreeBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- 02
Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- 03
Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- 04
Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- 05
Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
An example of an output
A resolved issue with its cause, procedure and advice to prevent recurrence.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
IT departments and service providers. May include on-site support, shifts and equipment maintenance.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$67,330
Median annual pay$61,860
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$40,980
90th percentile$100,540
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 2025750,600
Projected openings per year39,700
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Confirming the environment, protecting access and verifying the fix with the user remain necessary.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Build a simple lab and write a diagnostic procedure another person can follow.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- Some college, no degree
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Diagnosticslisteningdocumentationnetworking fundamentals
Tools you may encounter
Ticketing · authorized remote access · operating systems · diagnostics
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$103,680 Mean annual pay
Network and Computer Systems Administrators ↗
Extends equipment diagnostics to infrastructure maintenance.
- What you can carry over
- Diagnostics and operating systems
- What you would need to learn
- Networking, automation, backups and monitoring
What to consider
Typical education is higher and on-call work may apply; employment is projected to decline.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$114,610 Mean annual pay
Computer Systems Analysts ↗
Knowing user difficulties can help investigate system improvements.
- What you can carry over
- Listening and diagnostics
- What you would need to learn
- Requirements, processes and integration analysis
What to consider
Requires looking beyond individual tickets; a degree is typical.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Build a simple lab and write a diagnostic procedure another person can follow.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Computer User Support SpecialistsSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 15-1232.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗