Computer support specialists held about 766,900 jobs in 2014. They work in many different industries, including information technology (IT), education, finance, healthcare, and telecommunication. Many help-desk technicians work for outside support service firms on a contract basis and provide help to a range of businesses and consumers.
The industries that employed the most computer user support specialists in 2014 were as follows:
Computer systems design and related services
20%
Educational services; state, local, and private
13
Information
11
Administrative and support services
9
Wholesale trade
7
The industries that employed the most computer network support specialists in 2014 were as follows:
Computer systems design and related services
20%
Wired telecommunications carriers
10
Finance and insurance
9
Educational services; state, local, and private
8
Wholesale trade
6
Faster computer networks are making it possible for some support specialists, particularly help-desk technicians, to work from a home office. However, a few specialized help-desk technicians may have to travel to a client's location to solve a problem.
Work Schedules
Most computer support specialists have full-time work schedules; however, many do not work typical 9-to-5 jobs. Because computer support is important for businesses, support specialists must be available 24 hours a day. As a result, many support specialists must work nights or weekends.