Computer Network Support Specialists

15-1231.00 Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation Needed

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 known as: Cloud Engineer, Cloud Support Specialist, Computer Network Analyst, Computer Network Specialist, Computer Network Support Specialist, Computer Networker, Computer Operations Technician, Computer Systems Specialist, ...

Annual Salary

$73,340

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$56,720 25th – 75th percentile $95,710
10th percentile $46,010
90th percentile $124,470
U.S. Employment: 146,450

Job Outlook

+1.8%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)

Annual Job Openings 9,600 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Associate's degree
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

What You'd Do

  • Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
  • Configure and define parameters for installation or testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, routers, switches, controllers, multiplexers, or related networking equipment.
  • Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
  • Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
  • Document network support activities.
  • 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.
  • Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
  • Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
  • Install network software, including security or firewall software.
  • Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking 3.8
Active Listening 3.5
Reading Comprehension 3.4
Judgment and Decision Making 3.4
Speaking 3.3
Complex Problem Solving 3.3
Active Learning 3.3
Monitoring 3.3

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics 5.0
Telecommunications 3.8
Customer and Personal Service 3.5
Engineering and Technology 3.4
English Language 3.3
Administration and Management 3.1
Communications and Media 3.0
Education and Training 3.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Bachelor's
46.9%
Associate's
21.7%
Some College
13.6%
Certificate
10.2%
High School
4.2%
Post-Bacc Cert
1.8%
Post-Master's
1.5%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Adobe Acrobat Apache Tomcat Apple macOS Bash Border Gateway Protocol BGP Linux Microsoft Access Microsoft Active Directory Microsoft Azure software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft PowerShell Microsoft Project Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft Visual Basic Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows Server Microsoft Word MySQL Oracle Java Perl Python Red Hat Enterprise Linux Ruby ServiceNow Shell script Splunk Enterprise

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.7
Attention to Detail
2.6
Dependability
2.3
Integrity
2.1
Cautiousness
2.0
Intellectual Curiosity
1.9
Adaptability
1.7
Perseverance

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 3.9
Problem Sensitivity 3.9
Deductive Reasoning 3.9
Oral Expression 3.8
Inductive Reasoning 3.8
Written Comprehension 3.6
Information Ordering 3.5
Written Expression 3.4

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Working with Computers 5.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.5
Getting Information 4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.2
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 3.9
Analyzing Data or Information 3.8
Processing Information 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Telephone Conversations
4.9
E-Mail
4.9
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.8
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.8
Contact With Others
4.7
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.6
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.5
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.3
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.3
Time Pressure
3.9
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
3.8
Spend Time Sitting
3.7

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.