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Technology

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$76,220

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$47k – $128k

Job outlook

+2% (about average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $109,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Computer Network Support Specialists

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$40,300–$152,000

Time to qualify

4.3 yr

Renewal

  1. 1

    Bachelor's degree

    Degree

    Four years at public in-state rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $11,610/yr, plus books. Private and out-of-state run higher; grant aid lowers most students' actual net price.

    $40,000–$150,000 · 4 years source

  2. 2

    Industry certification (optional)

    Certification

    Vendor certifications (AWS, CompTIA, Google, Microsoft…) are a common entry booster, rarely a hard requirement.

    $300–$2,000 · 3 months source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Computer Network Support Specialists" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Computer Network Support Specialists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Computer Network Support Specialists

    Entry / Junior

    $47,120

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Computer Network Support Specialists

    Established

    $76,220

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Computer Network Support Specialists

    Senior

    $102,000

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • 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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Technology

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.