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Computer Network Support Specialists

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeModerate pressure

What they 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.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $76,220 Median per year · $36.64/hr Most earn $47,120–$127,780

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
  • Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
  • Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
  • Document help desk requests and resolutions.
  • Back up network data.
  • Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.

Job outlook

United States
1% more jobs by 2035, slower than average · about 9,000 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Computer systems design and related services20.3%
  • Telecommunications7.7%
  • Management of companies and enterprises5.3%
  • Elementary and secondary schools5.2%
  • Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting, and related services4.8%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 4 to 6 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 4 to 6 years

Computer Network Support Specialist is usually not a first job straight out of school. Most people earn a bachelor's degree, work in an entry-level IT support role for a few years, and then move into network support, which usually takes about 4 to 6 years of related work in total.

  1. Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or networking

    4 years

    You learn programming basics, how computer systems work, and how networks are built, which gives you the foundation employers look for.

  2. Computer User Support Specialist (IT Help Desk Technician)

    2-4 years

    You fix computer, software, and connection problems for users, which teaches you how real business networks behave and how to troubleshoot under pressure.

  3. Computer Network Support Specialist

    Ongoing (about 4-6 years of total related experience)

    You test, maintain, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, cloud networks, and servers so they stay up and running with minimal interruptions.

Where it can lead

  1. Computer Network Architect

    3-5 years of experience first

    You move from keeping existing networks running to designing new ones, which usually requires deeper knowledge of network planning and more experience with large systems.

  2. Information Security Analyst

    3-5 years of experience first

    You shift focus toward protecting networks and data from threats, which often means earning security certifications and building experience with monitoring and incident response.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take computer science, math, and any available networking or IT classesStrong math and computer skills give you a head start on the bachelor's degree most employers expect.
  • Build a simple home network or labSetting up a router, a few devices, or a virtual machine lets you practice real network troubleshooting for free.
  • Join a robotics, coding, or computer clubTeamwork and problem-solving projects show you whether you enjoy fixing technical problems.
  • Get a starter job or volunteer for tech helpHelping family, neighbors, or a school tech desk with computer problems builds customer service and troubleshooting skills.

In college

  • Major in computer science, information technology, or a networking-focused programA relevant degree is the most common requirement for this career and gives you the core networking and systems knowledge.
  • Take courses on networking, operating systems, and cybersecurityThese classes cover the exact topics you will troubleshoot and maintain on the job.
  • Work an IT help desk or campus tech support jobCampus IT roles give you real experience supporting users and networks, which is exactly what employers look for after graduation.
  • Pursue an entry-level networking certificationA certification shows employers you can configure and troubleshoot real network equipment, which can help you stand out.
  • Join a student tech or cybersecurity clubClubs offer practice labs, competitions, and connections with people working in IT.

Tips for getting started

  • Get hands-on experience early, through help desk work, part-time IT jobs, or home lab projects, because employers value real troubleshooting experience as much as a degree.
  • Consider vendor or industry certifications in networking or cloud, such as entry-level networking certificates, to show employers you can work on real equipment and systems.
  • Check current job postings in your area to see which skills and certifications they ask for most, and what pay looks like near you on the career page.

Related jobs that often lead here

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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