Occupation · SOC 15-1231
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.
Median wage
$73,340
$46,010–$124,470
Projected growth
+1.8%
Slower than average
Annual openings
280
per year
Employed (US)
146,450
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
2,337 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive LearningMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingSpeaking
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsTelecommunicationsCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Document management softwareTransaction security and virus protection softwareWeb platform development softwareOperating system softwareConfiguration management software
Representative tasks
Back up network data.Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Network data backup procedures — execute under direct supervision using established schedules and approved backup software on a corporate LAN environment.Security access permissions — apply preconfigured group-level settings under supervisor guidance within an enterprise directory system.Network monitoring software — operate and review alerts under direction to identify flagged anomalies on a managed corporate network.Basic diagnostic testing tools — use to identify and document common connectivity problems for individual end users in a help-desk setting.Network support activities — document using standardized templates and ticketing systems under the guidance of senior technicians.LAN router configuration — assist senior staff in applying baseline configuration settings on routers in a supervised enterprise environment.Security and firewall software — install using vendor-provided guides and internal runbooks under direct oversight on workstations and servers.User connectivity problems — troubleshoot common, recurring issues by following established troubleshooting scripts in a help-desk environment.Technical documentation and knowledge-base articles — read and apply comprehension to resolve Tier 1 incidents in a structured support workflow.Operating system software — navigate and perform routine network-related tasks within Windows and Linux environments under close supervision.
developing
Scheduled and on-demand network data backups — plan and execute with minimal oversight, verifying data integrity across multiple servers in a mid-sized enterprise environment.User and group access permissions — configure and audit independently within Active Directory or comparable IAM platforms across departmental systems.Security breach attempts — analyze event logs using transaction security and virus protection software, and produce incident reports for review by security teams.Network connectivity issues — diagnose using protocol analyzers and diagnostic testing equipment, resolving problems with reduced escalation in a multi-segment LAN/WAN environment.Network support activities — document thoroughly in helpdesk and configuration management systems, maintaining accurate records for recurring issues and resolutions.WAN and LAN routers and switches — configure VLANs, routing protocols, and ACLs using router and switch software in a branch-office or campus network setting.Network and endpoint security software — install, update, and validate using change management procedures across production environments with limited supervision.User and user-group connectivity problems — troubleshoot systematically using network monitoring software, applying inductive reasoning to identify root causes in varied network environments.Systems performance baselines — monitor continuously using network monitoring tools and alert thresholds, escalating meaningful deviations to senior engineers.Technical findings — communicate clearly in written reports and verbal briefings to both technical peers and non-technical stakeholders in a corporate IT setting.
proficient
Enterprise network data backup architecture — design, test, and maintain recovery procedures autonomously, ensuring business continuity compliance in a complex multi-site environment.Role-based access control frameworks — configure and enforce across heterogeneous systems, conducting periodic access reviews and remediating privilege violations in an enterprise network.Confirmed and attempted network security breaches — investigate, analyze, and report comprehensively using forensic tools and SIEM platforms, producing actionable findings for leadership and compliance teams.Complex, non-routine networking problems — isolate and resolve using advanced diagnostic testing software and deep systems analysis across WAN, LAN, and cloud-hybrid topologies.Network change and support documentation — author and maintain authoritative records including network diagrams, configuration baselines, and post-incident reports in configuration management systems.Enterprise WAN and LAN infrastructure — design and implement router and switch configurations, including redundancy and failover protocols, across geographically distributed networks.Network security software deployments — lead end-to-end installations and upgrades, validating firewall rule sets and patch compliance across production and DR environments.Escalated and systemic user connectivity problems — resolve by conducting root-cause analysis and implementing permanent remediation strategies in large-scale enterprise environments.Emerging networking technologies and threat vectors — evaluate through active learning and independent research, recommending adoption or mitigation strategies to improve network resilience.Cross-functional project teams — coordinate technical network tasks using project management software, managing timelines and deliverables independently within complex IT programs.
advanced
Organizational network backup and disaster recovery strategy — define and govern, aligning policies with business continuity objectives and regulatory requirements across the enterprise.Enterprise-wide access control and zero-trust security policies — architect and champion, directing implementation teams and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks across all business units.Security breach response and risk posture — lead post-incident reviews and present findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, shaping organizational security investment decisions.Network support diagnostic standards and tooling — establish and continuously improve, setting the methodology by which all tiers of support staff identify and resolve networking issues.Network documentation standards and knowledge-management culture — institute across the IT organization, ensuring technical accuracy, accessibility, and lifecycle governance for all network assets.Network infrastructure roadmap — develop and drive, directing the evolution of WAN, LAN, and cloud connectivity architecture to meet long-term organizational scalability and performance goals.Security software selection and enterprise deployment strategy — evaluate vendors, lead procurement decisions, and oversee deployment governance, balancing protection efficacy with operational continuity.Support team performance and professional development — mentor and lead network support specialists at all levels, building organizational capability through coaching, training programs, and career pathing.Cross-departmental IT systems integration — direct the evaluation and adoption of enterprise application integration and web platform solutions, ensuring network architecture supports organizational digital transformation.IT operations and network support budget — own and manage, allocating resources across staffing, tooling, and infrastructure projects while reporting outcomes and value to senior organizational leadership.
Also known as
71 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Network Technical AnalystInternetworking TechnicianIT Support Technician (Information Technology Support Technician)Computer Network AnalystNetwork Management SpecialistData Communications AnalystVoIP Technician (Voice over Internet Protocol Technician)Systems Support SpecialistNetwork Diagnostic Support SpecialistField Technician (Field Tech)Network AnalystCustomer EngineerComputer NetworkerComputer Network SpecialistSupport TechnicianNetwork Data SpecialistCustomer Service EngineerSystems Support EngineerPersonal Computer Network AnalystNetwork Relations ConsultantTechnical Support Technician (Technical Support Tech)Internet SpecialistDeployment Technician (Deployment Tech)WAN Support Specialist (Wide Area Network Support Specialist)Cloud Support SpecialistCloud EngineerSupport EngineerLAN Support Specialist (Local Area Network Support Specialist)Controls ProgrammerSystems Support RepresentativeIT Tech (Information Technology Technician)Technical AnalystNetwork Operations AnalystNetworking SpecialistTelecommunications Network TechnicianInstallation TechnicianNetwork Control AnalystComputer Systems SpecialistNetwork Desktop Support SpecialistNetwork Field Technician