Computer Network Support Specialists
At a Glance
- Have a high level of social interaction
- Most work full time
- Sit for long periods of time
- Have an associate degree
Career summary
Computer network support specialists manage computer networks, secure network data, and assist others with network issues.Computer network support specialists manage computer networks and make sure they are operating correctly. They are responsible for the security of computer networks and making sure firewall software is installed. They work on smaller networks and larger networks and help troubleshoot connection problems.
Computer network support specialists look out for security breaches and keep records of any problems. They are responsible for setting up network routers and making sure users know how to connect to the network. They run tests to see how well the network is working and how much storage space is available. They also back up network data.
They sometimes are responsible for:
- Training staff about the network
- Providing telephone technical support
- Repairing network cables
Related careers
This career is part of the Information Technology cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Programmers
- Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer User Support Specialists
- Customer Service Representatives
- Database Administrators
- Information Security Analysts
- Web Developers
Military careers
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to computer network support specialists.
- Manage small and large computer networks.
- Back up network data.
- Make sure computer networks are secure.
- Install firewall software.
- Make sure users are able to connect to the network.
- Be available by phone to troubleshoot network problems.
- Record any network security breaches.
- Analyze network speed and storage space.
- Set up network routers.
- Repair network cables.
- Keep a log of all work activities.
- Read publications about computer networks to learn about issues.
- Train support staff members.
Common work activities
Computer network support specialists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Use computers
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Get information needed to do the job
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Establish and maintain relationships
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Analyze data or information
- Process information
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Evaluate information against standards
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
- Think creatively
- Schedule work and activities
- Explain the meaning of information to others
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Document and record information
- Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
- Provide advice and consultation to others
- Communicate with people outside the organization
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, computer network support specialists:
Interpersonal relationships
- Are in contact with others each day by phone, e-mail, and in person.
- Have a high level of social contact.
- Often lead the work of others.
- Are responsible for their work and the work of others.
- Occasionally have to deal with angry or unpleasant people.
Physical work conditions
- Always work indoors.
- Sometimes work close to others when sharing office space.
- Sit for long periods of time.
- See nearby objects clearly.
- Speak clearly so other people can understand.
Work performance
- Make decisions that have major impact on others.
- Make decisions on their own.
- Must be very exact in their work.
- Often repeat the same physical and mental activities.
- Set the majority of their own tasks.
- Often must meet strict deadlines.
Hours/travel
- Work a regular schedule.
- Work full time.
Physical demands
Computer network support specialists frequently:
- Sit for long periods of time.
- Repeat the same movements.
- Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
It is important for computer network support specialists to be able to:
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer network support specialists to be able to:
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Skills and abilities
Computer network support specialists need to:
Communicate
- Understand spoken information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand written information.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
Reason and problem solve
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
- Develop rules that group items in various ways.
- Think of new ideas about a topic.
- Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Manage the time of self and others.
Work with things
- Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
Perceive and visualize
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
Training
To work as a computer network support specialist, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- have an associate’s degree
Education after high school
Many computer network support specialists learn their skills through the formal training process. Some employers prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Vocational schools, community colleges, and colleges offer training. Common areas of study are computer science or information technology.
Work experience
You can get experience through part-time or summer jobs in the computer industry. Another approach is to gain experience through your hobbies, such as building computer systems or learning software programs. A common way to demonstrate your level of experience to employers is to get certified in an area of computing. Many employers look for candidates with one to two years or related experience.
On-the-job training
New support specialists start by receiving on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer.
Due to the rapid changes in technology, many support specialists attend training sessions to update their skills. Employers, software and hardware vendors, colleges and universities, and private training firms offer continuing education courses.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be computer systems specialists. Training lasts from seven to 13 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements .
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Computer Applications
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Network Technology
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Licensing/certification
Computer network support specialists can obtain voluntary certifications from product vendors or vendor-neutral certification providers. Certification is occasionally required for employment.
Wages
Computer Network Support Specialists (SOC 15-1152)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
| Washington | Hourly | $22.59 | $27.94 | $35.76 | $46.57 | $61.28 |
| Monthly | $3,915 | $4,842 | $6,197 | $8,071 | $10,620 | |
| Yearly | $46,990 | $58,120 | $74,380 | $96,870 | $127,460 | |
| Bellingham | Hourly | $17.91 | $24.44 | $29.48 | $35.97 | $44.80 |
| Monthly | $3,104 | $4,235 | $5,109 | $6,234 | $7,764 | |
| Yearly | $37,248 | $50,836 | $61,324 | $74,807 | $93,180 | |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | Hourly | $24.96 | $33.22 | $36.08 | $38.93 | $40.58 |
| Monthly | $4,326 | $5,757 | $6,253 | $6,747 | $7,033 | |
| Yearly | $51,915 | $69,086 | $75,030 | $80,975 | $84,416 | |
| Clarkston-Lewiston | Hourly | $12.74 | $15.67 | $27.81 | $40.15 | $90.95 |
| Monthly | $2,208 | $2,716 | $4,819 | $6,958 | $15,762 | |
| Yearly | $26,494 | $32,580 | $57,831 | $83,512 | $189,175 | |
| Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | $25.72 | $28.72 | $35.76 | $47.84 | $62.86 |
| Monthly | $4,457 | $4,977 | $6,197 | $8,291 | $10,894 | |
| Yearly | $53,495 | $59,740 | $74,393 | $99,499 | $130,737 | |
| Longview | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | Hourly | $22.18 | $26.46 | $31.92 | $36.78 | $39.66 |
| Monthly | $3,844 | $4,586 | $5,532 | $6,374 | $6,873 | |
| Yearly | $46,130 | $55,048 | $66,380 | $76,511 | $82,496 | |
| Olympia-Tumwater | Hourly | $18.91 | $26.43 | $30.41 | $37.08 | $46.15 |
| Monthly | $3,277 | $4,580 | $5,270 | $6,426 | $7,998 | |
| Yearly | $39,341 | $54,970 | $63,259 | $77,135 | $95,987 | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $23.49 | $28.94 | $37.17 | $48.60 | $64.04 |
| Monthly | $4,071 | $5,015 | $6,442 | $8,422 | $11,098 | |
| Yearly | $48,865 | $60,184 | $77,295 | $101,101 | $133,193 | |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | $22.15 | $27.00 | $33.71 | $45.26 | $55.10 |
| Monthly | $3,839 | $4,679 | $5,842 | $7,844 | $9,549 | |
| Yearly | $46,067 | $56,171 | $70,116 | $94,148 | $114,608 | |
| Vancouver | Hourly | $17.86 | $22.39 | $29.41 | $37.05 | $45.27 |
| Monthly | $3,095 | $3,880 | $5,097 | $6,421 | $7,845 | |
| Yearly | $37,129 | $46,573 | $61,179 | $77,076 | $94,168 | |
| Walla Walla | Hourly | $16.55 | $17.86 | $20.31 | $26.04 | $29.33 |
| Monthly | $2,868 | $3,095 | $3,520 | $4,513 | $5,083 | |
| Yearly | $34,441 | $37,132 | $42,230 | $54,157 | $61,020 | |
| Wenatchee | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yakima | Hourly | $20.55 | $25.51 | $35.45 | $43.35 | $49.85 |
| Monthly | $3,561 | $4,421 | $6,143 | $7,513 | $8,639 | |
| Yearly | $42,743 | $53,049 | $73,720 | $90,177 | $103,703 | |
| United States | Hourly | $18.40 | $23.16 | $30.18 | $39.56 | $50.85 |
| Monthly | $3,189 | $4,014 | $5,230 | $6,856 | $8,812 | |
| Yearly | $38,270 | $48,160 | $62,770 | $82,290 | $105,770 | |
(1) Wage estimate is not available.
Pay varies with the worker's skills and level of education. Pay also varies with the employer's location and size.
Full-time computer network support specialists generally receive benefits. Common benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave.
Employment and outlook
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Computer Network Support Specialists (SOC 15-1152)
| Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 3,918 | 23.7% | 16.1% | 501 |
| Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 39 | 30.8% | 13.4% | 5 |
| Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 39 | 7.7% | 8.6% | 3 |
| Benton and Franklin Counties | 36 | 8.3% | 15.0% | 3 |
| Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 83 | 28.9% | 11.9% | 12 |
| Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 236 | 19.9% | 15.2% | 28 |
| Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 145 | 33.1% | 14.1% | 22 |
| Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 134 | 23.9% | 14.6% | 17 |
| King County | 2,317 | 25.5% | 19.6% | 306 |
| Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 32 | 15.6% | 13.8% | 3 |
| Pierce County | 211 | 16.1% | 15.2% | 23 |
| Snohomish County | 402 | 11.9% | 12.4% | 40 |
| Spokane County | 224 | 33.0% | 13.9% | 33 |
| United States | 191,300 | 6.3% | 5.2% | 17,400 |
National employment
Major employers:
- Computer system designers
- Telecommunicators
- Educational service providers; state, local, and private
National outlook
Demand for this occupation will continue to grow faster than average. As more organizations upgrade their computer equipment and software, more support services will be needed. The increased use of cloud-computing could slightly lower the growth of network support specialists at many firms.
Job prospects are favorable with many career advancement possibilities. Those with bachelor’s degrees and strong technical backgrounds will have the best opportunities.
Other resources
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500
Association for Women in Computing - Puget Sound Chapter
3743 S. 170th Street
Sea-Tac, WA 98188
Computing Technology Industry Association
3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.678.8300
Electronics Technicians Association, International
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
800.288.3824
765.653.8262
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101
Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP)
244 S Randall Road #116
Elgin, IL 60123
847.299.4227
International Association for Computer Information Systems
405.744.8632
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Realistic (Technical)
O*Net occupation
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
DOT occupation
Strong Interest Inventory
- Technical Support Specialist
Holland occupational cluster
- Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional
COPSystem
- Service Skilled