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, Personal Computer Network Analyst, Systems Specialist, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Support Specialist, Computer Network Analyst, Computer Network Support Specialist, Computer Networker, Computer Operations Technician, Computer Systems Specialist, Configuration Technician, Controls Programmer, Customer Engineer, Customer Service Engineer, Customer Support Engineer, Cyber Defense Incident Responder, Deployment Technician (Deployment Tech), Field Systems Technician, Field Technician (Field Tech), Help Desk Technician (Help Desk Tech), Information Technology Network Specialist (IT Network Specialist), Information Technology Operations Analyst (IT Operations Analyst), Installation Technician, Internet Network Specialist, Internet Specialist, Internetworking Technician, IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician), IT Support Technician (Information Technology Support Technician), IT Tech (Information Technology Technician), LAN Support Specialist (Local Area Network Support Specialist), Network Analyst, Network and Threat Support Specialist, Network Applications Specialist, Network Consultant, Network Control Analyst, Network Control Analyst Assistant, Network Data Specialist, Network Desktop Support Specialist, Network Diagnostic Support Specialist, Network Field Technician, Network Management Specialist, Network Operations Analyst, Network Operations Specialist, Network Operations Technician, Network Relations Consultant, Network Services Specialist, Network Support Engineer, Network Support Technician, Network Workstation Technical Specialist, Networking Specialist, NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician), Operations Support Technician, Support Engineer, Support Technician, Surveillance Technician, Systems Support Engineer, Systems Support Representative, Systems Support Specialist, Technical Analyst, Technical Services Specialist, Technical Support Specialist, Technical Support Technician (Technical Support Tech), Telecommunications Network Technician, VoIP Technician (Voice over Internet Protocol Technician), WAN Support Specialist (Wide Area Network Support Specialist)

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Judgment and Decision Making
Speaking
Active Learning
Monitoring
Complex Problem Solving
Troubleshooting
Systems Analysis
Writing
Operations Monitoring

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (46.93% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

58,240–98,750 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-1231.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (46.93% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Computer Network Support Specialists