Help Desk Representatives

Overview

Help Desk Representatives

Introduction

Help desk representatives assist computer users by advising them on how to solve problems relating to their computers, software, or peripheral devices. Help desk positions include call routing specialists, help desk representatives, level one support specialists, level two support specialists, and help desk managers. Computer support in general is challenging work, usually requiring the employee to help frustrated users solve problems in a timely manner. The job requires the representative to use a combination of p...

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$59,240

Employment Prospects

Good

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Some Postsecondary Training


Experience

One to two years of prior customer service experience


Skills

Computer|Digital Media|Interpersonal


Personality Traits

Helpful|Problem-Solving|Technical

Earnings

Salaries for help desk representatives vary depending on their experience, location, and the size and type of company for which they work. According to Salary.com, annual salaries for help desk support workers ranged from less than $26,500 to $56,500 or more in November 2024.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that computer support specialists (including help desk representatives) had ...

Work Environment

These are indoor jobs, usually in high-rises or other dedicated corporate offices. Help desk representatives may also work on a contract basis for companies, and some may work from their own homes. Help desk representatives who work for corporations are usually situated in small cubicles where privacy is at a minimum. Representatives work with desks, chairs, computers, and telephones. A telepho...

Outlook

Faster-than-average employment growth is expected for help desk representatives through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Companies that upgrade their computer equipment and software will continue to need computer support specialists. Employment of support specialists in computer systems design and related firms is projected to grow by 22.6 percent from 2023 to 2033. Another espe...