The occupation code you requested, 15-1041.00 (Computer Support Specialists), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 15-1232.00 (Computer User Support Specialists) instead.
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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Computer Support Specialist, Computer Tech (Computer Technician), Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech), Help Desk Analyst, Help Desk Tech (Help Desk Technician), IS Tech (Information Systems Technician), IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist), IT Support Specialist (Information Technology Support Specialist), IT Tech (Information Technology Technician), Technical Support Specialist
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Tasks
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Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
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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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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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Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
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Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
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Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
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Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
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Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
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Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
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Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
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Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
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Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
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Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.
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Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
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Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem-solving, monitoring, and installation of data communication equipment and software.
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Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.
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Technology Skills
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Access software — Citrix cloud computing software; Mac HelpMate
-
Accounting software — Fund accounting software; Sage 50 Accounting; Tax software
-
Administration software — Element management software
-
Analytical or scientific software — SAS
; StataCorp Stata; The MathWorks MATLAB
-
Application server software — Docker
; GitHub
; Oracle WebLogic Server; Spring Boot
; 1 more
-
Authentication server software — Password management software
-
Backup or archival software — Disaster recovery software; Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service; Symantec LiveState; Veritas NetBackup
-
Business intelligence and data analysis software — IBM Cognos Impromptu; Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition; Qlik Tech QlikView; Tableau
; 1 more
-
Calendar and scheduling software
-
Cloud-based data access and sharing software — Dropbox; Google Drive; Microsoft SharePoint
; Slack
-
Cloud-based management software — IBM WebSphere; Splunk Enterprise
-
Cloud-based protection or security software — SolarWinds
-
Clustering software — VMware
-
Communications server software — IBM Domino
-
Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD
; Autodesk Revit
; Bentley MicroStation
; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
; 1 more
-
Computer based training software — Moodle; Schoology
-
Configuration management software — Chef
; Patch management software; Perforce Helix software; Puppet
; 2 more
-
Content workflow software — Atlassian JIRA
-
Customer relationship management CRM software — Salesforce software
-
Data base management system software — Apache Hive
; Elasticsearch
; MongoDB
; Oracle PL/SQL
; 7 more
-
Data base reporting software — Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
; SAP Crystal Reports
-
Data base user interface and query software — Blackboard software; MySQL
; ServiceNow
; Transact-SQL
; 14 more
-
Desktop communications software — ParentSquare; Remote control software; Skype; Stac Software ReachOut
; 2 more
-
Desktop publishing software — Adobe Distiller; Adobe InDesign
; Microsoft Publisher
-
Development environment software — Apache Kafka
; Apache Maven
; Microsoft .NET Framework
; Microsoft PowerShell
; 13 more
-
Document management software — Adobe Acrobat
-
Electronic mail software — IBM Notes; Microsoft Exchange; Microsoft Outlook
-
Enterprise application integration software — Atlassian Bamboo
; Extensible markup language XML
; IBM InfoSphere DataStage; Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS
; 1 more
-
Enterprise resource planning ERP software — Microsoft Dynamics
; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; Oracle PeopleSoft
; SAP software
; 5 more
-
Enterprise system management software — IBM Power Systems software
-
Expert system software — Ansible software
-
File versioning software — Apache Subversion SVN
; Git
-
Filesystem software — Desktop partitioning software; Symantec Norton Utilities
-
Financial analysis software — Delphi Technology; Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
-
Geographic information system — ESRI ArcGIS software
; Geographic information system GIS software
-
Graphical user interface development software — Salesforce Visualforce
-
Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Creative Cloud software
; Adobe Illustrator
; Adobe Photoshop
; Trimble SketchUp Pro
; 1 more
-
Helpdesk or call center software — Call center software; Help desk software
-
Human resources software — Human resource management software HRMS; Oracle Taleo
-
Industrial control software — Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
-
Information retrieval or search software — Information systems integration software; LexisNexis
-
Instant messaging software — Blink
-
Internet browser software
-
Internet directory services software — Active directory software; Domain name system DNS; Microsoft Active Directory
; Network directory services software
-
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software — Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
-
License management software
-
Medical software — Epic Systems
; MEDITECH software
-
Metadata management software — Quest Erwin Data Modeler
-
Multi-media educational software — Nearpod; Seesaw
-
Network conferencing software — LogMeIn GoToWebinar
-
Network monitoring software — Dartware InterMapper; Nagios; Wireshark
-
Network operation system software — Remote install server software
-
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software — Virtual private networking VPN software
-
Object or component oriented development software — C#
; jQuery
; Objective C
; Swift
; 7 more
-
Object oriented data base management software — Hibernate ORM
; PostgreSQL
-
Office suite software — Microsoft Office software
-
Operating system software — Apple iOS
; Google Android
; Microsoft Windows Server
; UNIX Shell
; 16 more
-
Platform interconnectivity software — Migration software
-
Portal server software — Apache HTTP Server
-
Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
; Poll Everywhere
-
Process mapping and design software — Microsoft Visio
-
Program testing software — Defect tracking software; Hewlett Packard LoadRunner; JUnit
; Personal computer diagnostic software
-
Project management software — Atlassian Confluence
; Google Classroom; Microsoft Teams
; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
; 1 more
-
Requirements analysis and system architecture software — Unified modeling language UML
-
Sales and marketing software — Marketo Marketing Automation
-
Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
-
Storage networking software — Media storage management software
-
Transaction security and virus protection software — Encryption software; McAfee; NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software; Virus scanning software
-
Transaction server software — Customer information control system CICS
-
Video conferencing software — Cisco Webex
; Google Meet; LogMeIn GoToMeeting; Zoom
-
Video creation and editing software — Apple Final Cut Pro; Flipgrid; YouTube
-
Web page creation and editing software — Adobe Dreamweaver; Facebook
; Google Sites
-
Web platform development software — Django
; Google Angular
; Microsoft ASP.NET
; Spring Framework
; 19 more
-
Word processing software — 3M Post-it App; Google Docs
; Microsoft OneNote; Microsoft Word
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.
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Work Activities
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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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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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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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Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
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Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
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Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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Detailed Work Activities
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Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation.
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Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.
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Install computer hardware.
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Read documents to gather technical information.
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Resolve computer software problems.
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Provide technical support for software maintenance or use.
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Install computer software.
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Maintain computer hardware.
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Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
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Test software performance.
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Document operational activities.
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Evaluate utility of software or hardware technologies.
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Provide recommendations to others about computer hardware.
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Recommend changes to improve computer or information systems.
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Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
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Train others in computer interface or software use.
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Test computer hardware performance.
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Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
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Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
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Participate in staffing decisions.
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Supervise information technology personnel.
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Modify software programs to improve performance.
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Work Context
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Electronic Mail — 100% responded “Every day.”
-
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 95% responded “Every day.”
-
Face-to-Face Discussions — 88% responded “Every day.”
-
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Freedom to Make Decisions
-
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Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
-
Structured versus Unstructured Work
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Coordinate or Lead Others — 11% responded “Important.”
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Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
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Duration of Typical Work Week
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Frequency of Decision Making — 13% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”
-
Work With Work Group or Team — 79% responded “Very important.”
-
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
-
-
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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
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Consequence of Error — 13% responded “Serious.”
-
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
-
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
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Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Related Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Job Zone Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- SVP Range
- (6.0 to < 7.0)
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Training & Credentials
- State training
-
- Local training
-
- Certifications
-
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Apprenticeship Opportunities
Example apprenticeship titles for this occupation:
- Cloud Operations Specialist 1
- Cloud Operations Specialist 2
- Computer Support Specialist-Desktop Support Tech
- Customer Service Tech Support
- Health Information Technology Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- It Generalist
Specific title(s) listed above are vetted by industry and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
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Skills
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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.
-
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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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
-
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
-
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
-
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
-
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
-
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
-
Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
-
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
-
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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Knowledge
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Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
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.
-
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
-
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
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.
-
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
-
Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
-
Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
-
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- Bachelor’s degree required for some jobs
- Post-secondary certificate required for some jobs
- Associate’s degree required for some jobs
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Abilities
-
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
-
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
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).
-
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
-
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
-
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
-
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
-
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
-
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
-
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
-
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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Interests
-
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Work Values
-
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
-
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
-
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
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Work Styles
-
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
-
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
-
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
-
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
-
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
-
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
-
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
-
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
-
Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
-
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
-
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
-
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
-
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
-
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
-
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
-
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
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Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2023)
- $28.48 hourly, $59,240 annual
- State wages
-
- Local wages
-
- Employment (2022)
- 736,200 employees
- Projected growth (2022-2032)
-
Faster than average (5% to 8%)
- Projected job openings (2022-2032)
- 53,200
- State trends
-
- Top industries (2022)
-
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data
external site and 2022-2032 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
-
- Local job openings
-
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Professional Associations
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Actively assisted with the O*NET data collection, helping to identify occupational experts who can be surveyed about their work in the occupation.
View the list of Allies
National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions
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