Computer user support specialists
SOC Code: 15-1232
Computer user support specialists carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,340 and -3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 729,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 36% AI exposure, Computer user support specialists sits 1 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 56% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Computer user support specialists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Computer user support specialists has ai exposure of 36%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Computer user support specialists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Computer user support specialists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Computer user support specialists (SOC 15-1232) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 729,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.7% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $60,340, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Some college, no degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Computer user support specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- 2. Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- 3. Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- 4. Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- 5. Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- 6. Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
- 7. Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
- 8. Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
- 9. Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
- 10. Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Computer user support specialists?
Computer user support specialists has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Computer user support specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Computer user support specialists is projected to decline by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 729,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Computer user support specialists?
Key skills for Computer user support specialists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Some college, no degree.
How much do Computer user support specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Computer user support specialists is $60,340, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Computer user support specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Computer user support specialists is Some college, no degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Computer user support specialists?
Computer user support specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).