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.
Computer Network Support Specialists
SOC: 15-1231 O*NET: 15-1231.00
Median Salary
$73,340
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.8%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
9.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Computer Network Support Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$46,010
10th percentile
Early Career
$56,720
25th percentile
Median
$73,340
50th percentile
Experienced
$95,710
75th percentile
Top Earners
$124,470
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$46,010
25th
$56,720
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$73,340
Mean: $79,610
75th
$95,710
90th
$124,470
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $78,460 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $56,720 and $95,710
- •Salary spread is 53.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 146,450 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:152,700
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services27.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services27.9%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services20.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.8%
Annual Openings:9,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)152,700
Current
2034 (Projected)155,500
+1.8%
+2,800
Employment Change
+1.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Computer Network Support Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
12,730 jobs$64,4400.97x
California
11,410 jobs$79,5200.67x
Ohio
9,320 jobs$63,3701.78x
Maryland
8,310 jobs$99,7803.18x
Illinois
8,240 jobs$64,8001.43x
Florida
7,830 jobs$68,9500.84x
Indiana
6,510 jobs$67,4402.15x
New York
6,450 jobs$78,4100.71x
Virginia
5,690 jobs$79,3701.47x
Pennsylvania
4,600 jobs$73,7500.80x
New Jersey
4,420 jobs$88,4401.09x
Missouri
4,220 jobs$60,6101.52x
Georgia
4,160 jobs$77,9400.90x
North Carolina
3,830 jobs$79,6800.82x
Colorado
3,800 jobs$83,3501.38x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Judgment and Decision Making
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Active Learning
66%
#7
Monitoring
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Troubleshooting
46%
#10
Systems Analysis
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Learning
intermediate3.3
66%
Monitoring
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Troubleshooting
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Systems Analysis
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Range Managers82%
5 shared skills
Curators82%
5 shared skills
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Information Security Analysts82%
5 shared skills
Search Marketing Strategists82%
5 shared skills
Upholsterers73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Active Learning
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Computer Network Support Specialists
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Splunk Enterprise
🔥 Hot TechMySQL
🔥 Hot TechTeradata Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechServiceNow
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Azure software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerShell
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechRuby
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Splunk Enterprise
MySQL
Teradata Database
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
ServiceNow
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Azure software
Microsoft PowerShell
Microsoft Visual Basic
Ruby
Adobe Acrobat
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (3)General Responsibilities (15)Operations & Execution (1)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Document network support activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Install network software, including security or firewall software.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Computer Network Support Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Computer Network Support Specialists professionals typically have a CIR Holland code and highly value achievement
CConventional
IInvestigative
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Computer Network Support Specialists
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.54
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.51
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.48
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.45
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.36
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.31
Complete Work Styles Profile
Cooperation
4.5
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.5
Dependability
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
Persistence
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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