U.S. News and World Report just released its list of the 50 Best Careers of 2011 and technology positions account for a good portion of the list. In compiling the occupations for this list, they required that the industry is expected to add jobs at an above-average rate over the next decade and that the jobs provide an above-average median income. Other factors taken into account include job satisfaction and turnover rate.

Computer support specialist is new to the list this year with upward trending employment numbers as the expanding adoption of new technology continues to create a demand for those who can provide technical assistance. Employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 14 percent from 2008 to 2018 according to the Labor Department. Although outsourcing of jobs to offshore locations is factored in, those jobs mostly relate to lower-level customer service positions.

The median annual wages of computer support specialists were $44,300 in 2009.

Those looking for new careers should definitely take a look at this field. This is considered an incredibly good entry-level job with ample opportunity to advance to a senior-level position or a supervisory role, depending on years of experience. Aside from computer savvy, jobs in this field require problem-solving and communication skills, as well as the ability to multitask in a busy environment.

Computer support specialists typically work a 40-hour week, depending on the type of position and firm they are employed with. Those who work for hardware or software vendors typically spend the majority of their day on the phone with customers. Those who work for a company’s help desk typically spend their days assisting employees, installing software, and troubleshooting computer issues. Those employed by a third-party support firm tend to spend the majority of their time at client sites.

Unfortunately, there is a fair amount of stress that comes with this position. A computer support specialists’ job often involves dealing with frustrated customers, which requires a good deal of patience and calmness from the technician. When things are not working as they should, computer support specialists hear about it from irate customers. When things do work, computer support specialists are rarely rewarded. In addition, spending long periods of time at a computer can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and back discomfort.

Those looking to get into this field should know that employers tend to prefer some college background and value certifications, namely the Microsoft Certified Professional certification. With the job recession slowing, now is a great time to take advantage of openings in the IT field.