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Technical > Help Desk Specialist

Salary National Average

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52810.0000 57300.0000 71150.0000

Change from Previous Year:

+3%

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Candidate Supply: 3,926 Job Openings: 18,821

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Short Description:

A Help Dessk Specialist provides technical assistance to end-users, addressing issues related to hardware, software, and network systems. Their responsibilities include responding to support requests via phone, email, or chat, diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software problems including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a customer-focused approach are essential for success in this role, as Help Desk Specialists play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of an organization's IT systems and user satisfaction.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
  • Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
  • Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
  • Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
  • Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
  • Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
  • Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
  • Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
  • Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
  • Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • 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.
  • Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed.
  • Education: Most occupations in this zone require vocational school training, on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
  • Related Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of 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 communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. 
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 1-2 years preparation (6.0 to < 7.0)

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