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Computer Network Support Specialist

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Life As a Computer Network Support Specialist

Position Description Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

A Day in the Life of a Computer Network Support Specialist

  • Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
  • Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
  • Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
  • Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
  • Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
  • Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.

What Every Computer Network Support Specialist Should Know

These are the skills Computer Network Support Specialists say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Network Analyst
  • Computer Network Support Specialist
  • Network Technical Analyst
  • Internet Information Technology Specialist
  • Network Desktop Support Specialist

Is There Going to be Demand for Computer Network Support Specialists?

There were about 198,800 jobs for Computer Network Support Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 16,400 new jobs for Computer Network Support Specialist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 16,500 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Computer Network Support Specialist are Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Alaska, or Idaho. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Computer Network Support Specialist Average Salary

Computer Network Support Specialists make between $38,270 and $105,770 a year.

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Computer Network Support Specialists who work in District of Columbia, New Jersey, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Computer Network Support Specialists in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $59,060
Alaska $59,990
Arizona $60,550
Arkansas $46,170
California $75,640
Colorado $73,950
Connecticut $79,880
Delaware $60,840
District of Columbia $88,700
Florida $61,040
Georgia $70,820
Hawaii $61,260
Idaho $50,020
Illinois $65,830
Indiana $60,770
Iowa $55,690
Kansas $50,690
Kentucky $57,890
Louisiana $55,650
Maine $63,800
Maryland $73,360
Massachusetts $84,230
Michigan $60,470
Minnesota $62,130
Mississippi $66,110
Missouri $55,910
Montana $53,930
Nebraska $55,890
Nevada $58,380
New Hampshire $68,210
New Jersey $84,890
New Mexico $59,190
New York $79,200
North Carolina $65,160
North Dakota $64,640
Ohio $60,900
Oklahoma $63,080
Oregon $59,720
Pennsylvania $64,700
Rhode Island $56,400
South Carolina $54,530
South Dakota $48,080
Tennessee $59,170
Texas $73,440
Utah $60,330
Vermont $51,570
Virginia $73,050
Washington $81,270
West Virginia $56,550
Wisconsin $68,760
Wyoming $60,290

Tools & Technologies Used by Computer Network Support Specialists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Computer Network Support Specialists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python
  • Microsoft Access
  • MySQL
  • Data entry software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Project
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Linux
  • IBM Notes
  • Ruby
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • UNIX
  • Practical extraction and reporting language Perl

Becoming a Computer Network Support Specialist

Learn what Computer Network Support Specialist education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become a Computer Network Support Specialist?

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Computer Network Support Specialists Sector

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The table below shows the approximate number of Computer Network Support Specialists employed by various industries.

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References:

Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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