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Computer Network Support Specialists

Computer and Mathematical (15-1231)

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.

At a Glance

Computer Network Support Specialists earns a median of $73,340/yr with +1.8% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Computers and Electronics, Working with Computers, UNIX.

Median Annual Wage

$73,340/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+1.8%

Annual Openings

10

Typical Education

Associate's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (8)

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.8
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.5
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.4
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.4
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.3
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.3
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.3
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.3

Knowledge (5)

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

5.0
Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

3.8
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.5
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

3.4
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.3

Abilities (11)

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.9
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.9
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.9
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.8
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.8
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.6
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.5
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.4
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.4
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.4
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.4

Technology (36)

UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Teradata Database

Category: Data base management system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Splunk Enterprise

Category: Cloud-based management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Shell script

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
ServiceNow

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Ruby

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Perl

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
MySQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows Server

Category: Application server software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SQL Server

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SharePoint

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerShell

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Azure software

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Active Directory

Category: Internet directory services software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Border Gateway Protocol BGP

Category: Switch or router software | Hot Technology

4.5
Bash

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Apache Tomcat

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX Shell

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Adobe Acrobat

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Apple macOS

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Operating system software

Category: Operating system software

4.0
Firewall software

Category: Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software

4.0

Work Activities (16)

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

5.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.5
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.2
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.9
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.8
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.8
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.8
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.6
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.5
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.4
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.4
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.3
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.3
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.3

Work Styles (1)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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