What they do
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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.
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| Also called: |
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Computer Specialist, Computer Support Specialist, Computer Technician, Desktop Support Technician, Help Desk Analyst, Help Desk Technician, Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Support Specialist, Technical Support Specialist
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Wages
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| Vermont - 2021 |
| Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
| 10% |
$ 18.35 |
$38,170 |
| 25% |
$ 22.94 |
$47,700 |
| Median |
$ 28.90 |
$60,110 |
| 75% |
$ 29.59 |
$61,550 |
| 90% |
$ 37.34 |
$77,660 |
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| Average |
$ 27.93 |
$58,100 |
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| More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
| United States - 2020 |
| Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 30% |
- Educational services; state, local, and private
| 12% |
- Administrative and support services
| 8% |
- Merchant wholesalers, durable goods
| 5% |
- Publishing industries (except Internet)
| 5% |
| More at BLS |
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Knowledge
| People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- 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.
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- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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- Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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- 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.
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| More at O*NET |
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Skills
| People in this career often have these skills: |
- 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.
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- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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| More at O*NET |
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Interests
| People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
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- Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
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- Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
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| What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
| People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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| More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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| Related Occupations
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| Career Video
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Projected Employment
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| Vermont |
| 2020 employment |
1,333 |
| 2030 employment |
1,515 |
Annual percent change
(compounded) |
1.3% |
Annual projected job openings
(due to change and separations) |
120 |
| More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
- Typical education needed for entry
Some college, no degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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| Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Job Zone
| Medium Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(6.0 to < 7.0) - A typical worker will require
over 1 year up to and including 2 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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| Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
| How much education do most people in this career have? |
| Education level |  | Percent of
U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree
or post-MA certificate | | 0% |
Master's degree or
post-BA certificate | | 0% |
| Bachelor's degree | | 33% |
| Associate's degree | | 14% |
Certificate or some college,
no degree | | 31% |
High school diploma
or equivalent | | 22% |
| Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
| More at O*NET |
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Abilities
| People in this career often have talent in: |
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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- Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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| More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
| In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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| More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
| What you might do in a day: |
- Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
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- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
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- Read documents to gather technical information.
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- Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
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- Resolve computer software problems.
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| More at O*NET |
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Tasks
| On the job, you would: |
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
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- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
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- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
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- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
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- Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
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| More at O*NET |
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