Computer network support specialists
SOC Code: 15-1231Also known as:
Cloud Engineer, Cloud Support Specialist, Computer Network Analyst, Computer Network Specialist, Computer Network Support Specialist
Median Annual Salary
$73,340
+1.8% growth (2024-2034)
10K
Openings/Year
153K
Current Jobs
What Computer network support specialists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$73,340
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
10K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
152,700
Projected Employment (2034)
155,500
Related Careers
Computer user support specialists
$60,340 •
-3.7% growth
Computer network architects
$130,390 •
+11.9% growth
Network and computer systems administrators
$96,800 •
-4.2% growth
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Judgment and Decision Making
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Computer network support specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a computer network support specialists:
Computer Science
79,857 degrees awarded •
1,001 colleges offer this program
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
38,088 degrees awarded •
841 colleges offer this program
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
13,753 degrees awarded •
475 colleges offer this program
Computer Programming/Programmer, General
11,341 degrees awarded •
390 colleges offer this program
Computer Support Specialist
4,922 degrees awarded •
247 colleges offer this program
Network and System Administration/Administrator
4,755 degrees awarded •
206 colleges offer this program
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
3,034 degrees awarded •
81 colleges offer this program
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
1,925 degrees awarded •
84 colleges offer this program
Cloud Computing
1,229 degrees awarded •
50 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Computer network support specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become computer network support specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer network support specialists make?
The median annual salary for computer network support specialists is $73,340.
What education do computer network support specialists need?
Most computer network support specialists positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer Science, Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
Is becoming computer network support specialists a good career choice?
Computer network support specialists is projected to see +1.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 9,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for computer network support specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring computer network support specialists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Southern California, University of California-Berkeley, Columbia University in the City of New York, Cornell University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to computer network support specialists?
Computer network support specialists may also be 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, Configuration Technician, Controls Programmer, Customer Engineer, Customer Service Engineer, Customer Support Engineer, Cyber Defense Incident Responder, Field Systems Technician, Information Technology Network Specialist (IT Network Specialist), Information Technology Operations Analyst (IT Operations Analyst), Installation Technician, Internet Network Specialist, Internet Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.