Life As a Computer Network Support Specialist
Occupation 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.
Life As a Computer Network Support Specialist
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
- Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
- 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.
- Document network support activities.
- Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
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Computer Network Support Specialist Needed Skills
Computer Network Support Specialists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Network and Threat Support Specialist
- Network Desktop Support Specialist
- VoIP Network Technician
- Network Operations Analyst
- Network Technician
What Kind of Computer Network Support Specialist Job Opportunities Are There?
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. There will be an estimated 16,500 positions for Computer Network Support Specialist per year.

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
The average yearly salary of a Computer Network Support Specialist ranges between $38,270 and $105,770.

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 |
What Tools & Technology do Computer Network Support Specialists Use?
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
Education needed to be a Computer Network Support Specialist:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Computer Network Support Specialist?

Who Employs Computer Network Support Specialists?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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