Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 185,500 people employed as computer network support specialists in the United States. The median annual salary is $62,760. Entry level employees earn approximately $38,560 per year and senior employees earn approximately $102,410 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
• Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
• Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
• Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
• Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
• Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
• Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
• Maintain logs of network activity.
• Document help desk requests and resolutions.
• Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
• Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
• Run monthly network reports.
• 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.
• Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
• Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes.
• Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
• Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
• Configure and define parameters for installation or testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, routers, switches, controllers, multiplexers, or related networking equipment.
• Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.

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