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Desktop Support Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Desktop Support Specialist, or Desktop Support Engineer, provides technical assistance to customers regarding various hardware and software applications. Their main duties include troubleshooting and diagnosing different technical issues, assessing and understanding user needs and issues and recommending technical fixes to customers.

Desktop Support Specialist duties and responsibilities

A Desktop Support Specialist troubleshoots issues on their company’s computer network through their knowledge of both software and hardware. Here are some of the tasks they may perform:

  • Provide direct service for IT networks as well as customer service to users inside and outside the company
  • Maintain a work log of job tickets and maintenance tasks
  • Forward daily inspections to prevent or solve system malfunctions
  • Stay updated on new developments in, and analyze reviews of, computing technologies
  • Supervise the logging of network conditions and requirements

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Desktop Support Specialist Job Description Examples

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What does a Desktop Support Specialist do?

Desktop Support Specialists work in the information technology department of a company assisting customers in resolving their software or hardware issues. They typically install new programs to increase the efficiency and satisfaction of customers. Many Desktop Support Specialists answer phone calls or use online chat systems to determine a customer’s technical issue, then they provide guidance for how to resolve the problem.

Some may even travel onsite to the customer’s location to solve any complex computer issues. They’re usually responsible for keeping records of common customer issues and reporting them to their supervisor.

Desktop Support Specialist skills and qualifications

Desktop Support Specialists need the following skills and qualifications:

  • Knowledge of computer software, operating systems, hardware and networking
  • Experience with software as a service (SaaS) and other software hosting protocols
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Good problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Able to work in a team as well as independently
  • Experienced in providing professional and courteous customer service

Desktop Support Specialist salary expectations

A Desktop Support Specialist makes an average of $20.50 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Desktop Support Specialist salary expectations

2025-10-019.2524.3546.50HOURLY
  • Common salary: 24.35 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 9.25 - 46.50 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Desktop Support Specialist education and training requirements

Desktop Support Specialists need at least a high school diploma or GED, though most employers prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. Many certifications are also available for Desktop Support Specialists, including Microsoft, Apple and CompTIA credentials.

Desktop Support Specialist experience requirements

Employers seeking Desktop Support Specialists usually prefer candidates to have at least some experience in both technical and customer service areas. However, some companies may hire a person for an entry-level support job and provide them with training, thus giving them exactly the type of experience needed. Senior-level Desktop Support Specialists or team leads need at least three to five years of experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you are looking to fill a similar role, you might find one of these related job description samples useful:

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Frequently asked questions about Desktop Support Specialists

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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