Computer Network Support Specialists
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.
Also called: Computer Network Specialist · IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant) · Network Specialist · Network Support Specialist · Network Technical Analyst · Network Technician
Median pay (national)
$73,340
$46,010–$124,470 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
146,450
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+1.8%
~9,600 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for computer network support specialists shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $124,470 versus $46,010 at the bottom 10% — 2.7x. The median of $73,340 leaves roughly 70% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +1.8% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 9,600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 53 states with released data, Maryland pays the most for this role (median $99,780, +36% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $47,160 — a 112% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Apple macOS, Firewall software, Linux, Microsoft Active Directory as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes.
- Back up network data.
- 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.
- Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
- Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
- Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
Tools & technology
- Apple macOS
- Firewall software
- Linux
- Microsoft Active Directory
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Windows Server
- ServiceNow
- Apache Tomcat
- Bash
- Border Gateway Protocol BGP
- Microsoft Azure software
- Microsoft PowerShell
- Microsoft SQL Server
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Education and Training