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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,120 | $70,300 | $33.80 | |
| Alaska | 560 | $57,490 | $27.64 | |
| Arizona | 2,970 | $62,540 | $30.07 | |
| Arkansas | 1,470 | $53,980 | $25.95 | |
| California | 13,330 | $74,570 | $35.85 | |
| Colorado | 3,230 | $73,760 | $35.46 | |
| Connecticut | 720 | $87,870 | $42.25 | |
| Delaware | 530 | $62,310 | $29.96 | |
| District of Columbia | 830 | $86,880 | $41.77 | |
| Florida | 10,660 | $67,740 | $32.57 | |
| Georgia | 5,650 | $67,950 | $32.67 | |
| Hawaii | 450 | $74,760 | $35.94 | |
| Idaho | 520 | $59,070 | $28.40 | |
| Illinois | 13,250 | $71,140 | $34.20 | |
| Indiana | 3,640 | $64,890 | $31.20 | |
| Iowa | 1,780 | $61,950 | $29.79 | |
| Kansas | 260 | $60,220 | $28.95 | |
| Kentucky | 2,510 | $64,520 | $31.02 | |
| Louisiana | 1,520 | $64,830 | $31.17 | |
| Maine | 510 | $63,010 | $30.29 | |
| Maryland | 7,210 | $76,120 | $36.60 | |
| Massachusetts | 3,530 | $88,340 | $42.47 | |
| Michigan | 2,440 | $61,260 | $29.45 | |
| Minnesota | 8,320 | $70,720 | $34.00 | |
| Mississippi | 900 | $57,610 | $27.70 | |
| Missouri | 4,110 | $68,030 | $32.71 | |
| Montana | 680 | $58,520 | $28.14 | |
| Nebraska | 2,010 | $59,280 | $28.50 | |
| Nevada | 1,020 | $62,340 | $29.97 | |
| New Hampshire | 1,000 | $74,240 | $35.69 | |
| New Jersey | 4,910 | $90,350 | $43.44 | |
| New Mexico | 1,650 | $61,780 | $29.70 | |
| New York | 11,350 | $81,780 | $39.32 | |
| North Carolina | 3,970 | $74,610 | $35.87 | |
| North Dakota | 850 | $62,760 | $30.18 | |
| Ohio | 7,740 | $63,930 | $30.74 | |
| Oklahoma | 2,240 | $64,340 | $30.93 | |
| Oregon | 2,140 | $65,300 | $31.39 | |
| Pennsylvania | 6,470 | $72,250 | $34.73 | |
| South Carolina | 1,840 | $64,820 | $31.16 | |
| South Dakota | 800 | $51,920 | $24.96 | |
| Tennessee | 4,500 | $56,040 | $26.94 | |
| Texas | 14,020 | $71,800 | $34.52 | |
| Utah | 1,450 | $72,720 | $34.96 | |
| Vermont | 240 | $65,200 | $31.35 | |
| Virginia | 6,980 | $76,120 | $36.60 | |
| Washington | 3,270 | $89,090 | $42.83 | |
| West Virginia | 630 | $57,430 | $27.61 | |
| Wisconsin | 2,750 | $68,120 | $32.75 | |
| Wyoming | 340 | $56,700 | $27.26 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the general writing and implementation of generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that generally prepares individuals to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. Includes instruction in software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing; program customization and linking; prototype testing; troubleshooting; and related aspects of operating systems and networks.
A program that prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation, and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software; compilation, composition, execution, and operating systems; low- and high-level languages and language programming; programming and debugging techniques; installation and maintenance testing and documentation; process and data flow analysis; user needs analysis and documentation; cost-benefit analysis; and specification design.
A program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
A program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. Includes instruction in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.
A program that prepares individuals to design and implement enterprise software systems that rely on distributed computing and service-oriented architecture, including databases, web services, cloud computing, and mobile apps. Includes instruction in data management, distributed and cloud computing, enterprise software architecture, enterprise and cloud security, mobile systems and applications, server administration, and web development.
A program that prepares individuals to manage the computer operations and control the system configurations emanating from a specific site or network hub. Includes instruction in computer hardware and software and applications; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) networking; principles of information systems security; disk space and traffic load monitoring; data backup; resource allocation; and setup and takedown procedures.
A program that prepares individuals to oversee and regulate the computer system and performance requirements of an entire organization or network of satellite users. Includes instruction in performance balancing; redundancy; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) network management; system migration and upgrading; outage control; problem diagnosis and troubleshooting; and system maintenance, budgeting, and management.
A program that prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation, auditing, and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. Includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system auditing and design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting.
A program that prepares individuals to provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users to help troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Includes instruction in computer concepts, information systems, networking, operating systems, computer hardware, the Internet, software applications, help desk concepts and problem solving, and principles of customer service.
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$71,350 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Associate's degreeTypical education requirement
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Moderate-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as computer network support specialists.
- Less than high school 1%
- High school graduate 10%
- College dropout 24%
- Associate’s degree 16%
- Bachelor’s degree 37%
- Master’s degree 10%
- Doctorate degree 1%
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