Careers · Explore one path
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.
Other titles employers use
Computer Network Specialist · IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant) · Network Specialist · Network Support Specialist · Network Technical Analyst · Network Technician · Personal Computer Network Analyst · Systems Specialist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to organizing, analytical and practical work.
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.2 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.5 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.8 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 3.1 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for an associate degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 47%
- A certificate or some college 24%
- A two-year degree 22%
- High school or less 4%
- A master's degree 2%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Operating system software
- Development environment software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base management system software
- Document management software
- Project management software
- Electronic mail software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 14,800
- Job openings each year
- 1,040
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 8.0%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 14,800 | 1,040 | 8.0% |
| Florida | 14,390 | 1,070 | 15.0% |
| Texas | 13,220 | 1,020 | 20.4% |
| New York | 13,190 | 100 | 8.3% |
| Illinois | 11,230 | 750 | 2.5% |
| Maryland | 11,220 | 830 | 13.9% |
| Virginia | 7,200 | 490 | 4.5% |
| Washington | 5,590 | 510 | 18.7% |
| Minnesota | 5,490 | 380 | 6.6% |
| North Carolina | 5,450 | 410 | 15.0% |
| Georgia | 5,260 | 370 | 7.6% |
| Colorado | 5,200 | 400 | 19.8% |
| Missouri | 5,060 | 360 | 9.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 4,910 | 340 | 6.3% |
| New Jersey | 4,740 | 310 | — |
| Indiana | 4,540 | 320 | 7.6% |
| Tennessee | 3,360 | 260 | 20.4% |
| South Carolina | 2,990 | 220 | 11.6% |
| Wisconsin | 2,940 | 210 | 8.9% |
| Arizona | 2,850 | 210 | 10.5% |
| Kentucky | 2,850 | 200 | 7.5% |
| Oregon | 2,690 | 200 | 14.5% |
| Montana | 2,450 | 170 | 2.9% |
| Oklahoma | 2,430 | 170 | 3.8% |
| Michigan | 2,160 | 140 | 1.9% |
| Iowa | 2,150 | 150 | 8.0% |
| Nebraska | 2,150 | 160 | 10.3% |
| Louisiana | 1,990 | 140 | 10.6% |
| Nevada | 1,990 | 150 | 19.2% |
| New Mexico | 1,480 | 110 | 13.8% |
| Arkansas | 1,460 | 110 | 9.8% |
| Utah | 1,390 | 110 | 17.8% |
| Alabama | 1,200 | 80 | 3.4% |
| Mississippi | 1,140 | 80 | 11.8% |
| Rhode Island | 1,060 | 80 | 10.4% |
| New Hampshire | 1,040 | 80 | 11.8% |
| North Dakota | 860 | 60 | 7.5% |
| South Dakota | 750 | 50 | 7.1% |
| Massachusetts | 720 | 50 | 7.5% |
| Puerto Rico | 700 | 50 | 20.7% |
| District of Columbia | 660 | 50 | 4.8% |
| Idaho | 590 | 50 | 22.9% |
| West Virginia | 580 | 40 | 7.4% |
| Alaska | 460 | 30 | — |
| Delaware | 380 | 20 | −7.3% |
| Maine | 370 | 20 | — |
| Wyoming | 350 | 20 | 6.1% |
| Kansas | 250 | 20 | — |
| Vermont | 170 | 10 | — |
| Guam | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Virgin Islands | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Western Governors University
- Degrees each year
- 3,792
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Southern New Hampshire University
- Degrees each year
- 967
- Admit rate
- 96%
- Annual cost after aid
- $37,000
The University of Texas at San Antonio
- Degrees each year
- 398
- Admit rate
- 88%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Degrees each year
- 354
- Admit rate
- Not reported
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 276
- Admit rate
- 54%
- Annual cost after aid
- $26,000
Brigham Young University
- Degrees each year
- 405
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Purdue University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 681
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
University of California-Santa Cruz
- Degrees each year
- 750
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
Compare every college offering computer/information technology administration and management