Computer Network Support Specialists: Career Profile
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Featured schools near , edit
What Tasks Do Computer Network Support Specialists Perform?
The day-to-day responsibilities of computer network support specialists cover:
- Back up network data.
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Document network support activities.
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
- Install network software, including security or firewall software.
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
Skills and Knowledge
Successful computer network support specialists rely on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Most Important Skills
These are the skills most important for this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Other Computer Network Support Specialists Job Titles
People in this occupation may also be known by titles such as:
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Support Specialist
- Computer Network Analyst
- Computer Network Specialist
- Computer Network Support Specialist
- Computer Networker
- Computer Operations Technician
- Computer Systems Specialist
How Many Computer Network Support Specialists Are There?
The U.S. employs around 133,198 computer network support specialists working in the United States today. Demand is forecast to decline by -3.8% over the projection horizon.
How Much Do Computer Network Support Specialists Make?
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $107,799 |
| Hourly median | $51.83 |
| 10th percentile | $62,147 |
| 25th percentile | $84,973 |
| 75th percentile | $130,625 |
| 90th percentile | $153,451 |
Wages vary widely based on experience, location, and industry.
Pay by State
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $99,780 |
| Washington | $94,250 |
| New Jersey | $88,440 |
| District of Columbia | $86,730 |
| Massachusetts | $86,290 |
| Hawaii | $86,060 |
| Colorado | $83,350 |
| Rhode Island | $80,220 |
| North Carolina | $79,680 |
| California | $79,520 |
| Virginia | $79,370 |
| Connecticut | $78,820 |
| New York | $78,410 |
| Georgia | $77,940 |
| Alaska | $77,760 |
| Oklahoma | $77,450 |
| Minnesota | $77,110 |
| Wisconsin | $75,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $73,750 |
| New Hampshire | $73,640 |
| North Dakota | $70,740 |
| Oregon | $70,320 |
| Nevada | $70,000 |
| Utah | $69,280 |
| Florida | $68,950 |
| Tennessee | $68,200 |
| Indiana | $67,440 |
| Idaho | $66,910 |
| Kansas | $66,760 |
| South Carolina | $66,560 |
| Vermont | $65,790 |
| Arizona | $65,340 |
| Illinois | $64,800 |
| Texas | $64,440 |
| Maine | $64,310 |
| New Mexico | $64,280 |
| Iowa | $63,560 |
| Nebraska | $63,500 |
| Ohio | $63,370 |
| Michigan | $61,890 |
| Wyoming | $61,780 |
| Delaware | $61,740 |
| Kentucky | $61,040 |
| Missouri | $60,610 |
| Arkansas | $58,790 |
| Alabama | $58,740 |
| Montana | $57,500 |
| Louisiana | $56,470 |
| South Dakota | $52,120 |
| West Virginia | $51,670 |
| Virgin Islands | $50,600 |
| Mississippi | $50,600 |
| Puerto Rico | $47,160 |
Where Computer Network Support Specialists Earn the Most
Pay for computer network support specialists vary by region. These regions lead on median pay:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Atlantic | $86,633 | 16.8% | 1.63 |
| New England | $80,525 | 2.7% | 0.64 |
| Far Western US | $80,487 | 12.7% | 0.79 |
| Rocky Mountains | $75,726 | 4.4% | 1.21 |
| Southeast | $69,846 | 23.2% | 1.01 |
| Plains States | $66,126 | 8.7% | 1.38 |
| Southwest | $66,044 | 11.9% | 1.00 |
| Great Lakes | $65,309 | 19.1% | 1.59 |
Highest-Paying Metro Areas for Computer Network Support Specialists
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | NC | $114,630 | 1,050 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | MD | $104,130 | 4,720 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | CA | $98,670 | 1,930 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | CA | $98,490 | 840 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | WA | $97,200 | 2,070 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | HI | $96,670 | 70 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | NY | $95,710 | 220 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | WA | $90,070 | 240 |
Which Industries Hire Computer Network Support Specialists
Most computer network support specialists are found across these industries:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 40,870 | $74,040 |
| Information | 22,770 | $78,600 |
| Educational Services | 17,320 | $64,790 |
| Finance and Insurance | 8,970 | $78,630 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 8,770 | $80,090 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 7,860 | $66,220 |
| Wholesale Trade | 6,920 | $71,930 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 6,390 | $69,220 |
Computer Network Support Specialists work in the following industries:
Software Computer Network Support Specialists Use
- Document management software: Adobe Acrobat (hot technology)
- Web platform development software: Apache Tomcat (hot technology)
- Operating system software: Apple macOS (hot technology)
- Operating system software: Bash (hot technology)
- Switch or router software: Border Gateway Protocol BGP (hot technology)
- Operating system software: Linux (hot technology)
- Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access (hot technology)
- Internet directory services software: Microsoft Active Directory (hot technology)
- Development environment software: Microsoft Azure software (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
The Day-to-Day Environment
The on-the-job environment of computer network support specialists reflects the following characteristics:
- Telephone Conversations
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
How to Become Computer Network Support Specialists
Entry-level computer network support specialists positions require a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education. The role falls in Considerable Preparation Needed (Job Zone 4), reflecting the level of preparation typically expected.
Other Careers to Consider
Similar Occupations
- Computer and Information Systems Managers (Supplemental)
- Computer Systems Analysts (Primary-Long)
- Information Security Analysts (Primary-Long)
- Computer User Support Specialists (Primary-Short)
- Computer Network Architects (Primary-Short)
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists (Primary-Long)
- Database Administrators (Primary-Long)
- Database Architects (Supplemental)
Degree Programs
Aspiring computer network support specialists typically earn programs in:
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
9 programs across 5 majors
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Computer Systems Networking
- Computer Programming
- Computer Systems Analysis
About the Data
Statistics shown above are sourced from the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 15-1231.00 (Computer Network Support Specialists).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.