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.

$61,550

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

-3% projected 2024–2034

What They Do

Computer network support specialists keep organizations connected by maintaining and troubleshooting the digital infrastructure that enables daily operations. They monitor network performance throughout the day, responding quickly when servers slow down, connections drop, or users report access problems. Their work involves diagnosing issues ranging from simple connectivity problems to complex system failures, often using specialized software tools to pinpoint where networks are breaking down. They test network components after updates or installations to ensure everything integrates smoothly, and they document problems and solutions to build knowledge bases for future troubleshooting.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Computer Science(masters)Stanford University, CA

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)California Institute of Technology, CA

Computer Science(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Computer Science(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(masters)University of Virginia-Main Campus, VA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)Saint Martin's University, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)Washington State University, WA

Computer Science(masters)City University of Seattle, WA

Computer Science(masters)Central Washington University, WA

Computer Science(bachelors)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Computer Science(masters)Cornell University, NY

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(doctoral)Capella University, MN

Computer Science(bachelors)Cornell University, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)Harvard University, MA

Computer Science(bachelors)Brown University, RI

Computer Science(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Science(masters)University of California-Irvine, CA

Computer Science(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA

Computer Science(masters)University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL

Computer Science(bachelors)Princeton University, NJ

Computer Science(masters)Boston University, MA

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