Computer User Support Specialists
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 1 of 16 tasks
Enter commands and observe system functioning to verify correct operations and detect errors.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 5.0% of the role's time · $2.3B · all three pass it
Does not pass
Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 13.2% of the role's time · $6.0B · waiting on a check
Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 12.1% of the role's time · $5.5B · waiting on a check
Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 11.3% of the role's time · $5.1B · passed by Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 9.9% of the role's time · $4.5B · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed · waiting on a check
Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
physical work, outside the screen · 9.1% of the role's time · $4.1B
Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
physical work, outside the screen · 8.3% of the role's time · $3.8B
Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 7.4% of the role's time · $3.3B
Inspect equipment and read order sheets to prepare for delivery to users.
physical work, outside the screen · 5.7% of the role's time · $2.6B
Refer major hardware or software problems or defective products to vendors or technicians for service.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 4.4% of the role's time · $2.0B
Prepare evaluations of software or hardware, and recommend improvements or upgrades.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.7% of the role's time · $1.7B
Develop training materials and procedures, or train users in the proper use of hardware or software.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.6% of the role's time · $1.6B
Read trade magazines and technical manuals, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of hardware and software.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.0% of the role's time · $890M
Modify and customize commercial programs for internal needs.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.8% of the role's time · $812M · passed by Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Hire, supervise, and direct workers engaged in special project work, problem-solving, monitoring, and installation of data communication equipment and software.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.2% of the role's time · $555M
Conduct office automation feasibility studies, including workflow analysis, space design, or cost comparison analysis.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.2% of the role's time · $549M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 157,410 | $9.9B | $495M | $495M |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 37,660 | $2.5B | $127M | $127M |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 42,000 | $2.4B | $121M | $121M |
| Software Publishers | 28,890 | $2.1B | $107M | $107M |
| Employment Services | 32,900 | $1.9B | $94.6M | $94.6M |
| State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 19,520 | $1.8B | $89.8M | $89.8M |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 27,930 | $1.7B | $86.5M | $86.5M |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | 22,750 | $1.6B | $79.1M | $79.1M |
| Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | 23,770 | $1.6B | $78.3M | $78.3M |
| Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services | 19,120 | $1.3B | $63.7M | $63.7M |