Computer Occupations

How to become a Computer Network Support Specialist

Official title: Computer Network Support Specialists

Also called: Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), Network Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Personal Computer Network Analyst, Systems Specialist

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.

Main 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.
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
Document network support activities.
Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
Install network software, including security or firewall software.
Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.

How to become one

Entry requirements vary for computer support specialists. Network support specialists typically need an associate's degree, and user support specialists typically need to complete some college courses. However, candidates may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Cloud Support Specialist.
Apprenticeship: Junior Cloud Engineer (Nof).
Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Computer Programming/Programmer, General; Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst; Computer Science

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $76,220 a year The middle half earn $58,240 to $98,750.
About 152,500 people work in this job now, and about 154,400 are projected by 2035. (+1.2%)
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Computer Network Support Specialist?

How much does a Computer Network Support Specialist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $76,220 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $58,240 to $98,750.

Is a Computer Network Support Specialist a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 152,500 people now and 154,400 later (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Computer Network Support Specialist?

Not always. 50% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Cloud Support Specialist.

Will AI change the work of a Computer Network Support Specialist?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.