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How exposed to AI is a Computer User Support Specialist?

Of the 16 tasks O*NET lists for computer user support specialists, 7 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 2 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Computer Support SpecialistComputer Tech (Computer Technician)Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech)Help Desk AnalystHelp 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
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
16
tasks rated for this occupation
52%
hold a degree, from a survey of 21
654k
people do this job in the US
24 of 36
least protected in computing and maths

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

7
  • Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems
  • Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support
  • Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software
  • 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
  • Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades
  • Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis

Only with software built on top

7
  • Oversee the daily performance of computer systems
  • Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service
  • Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications
  • Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs
  • Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users
  • Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software
  • Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem-solving, monitoring, and installation of data communication equipment and software

Cannot be sped up

2
  • Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software
  • Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.