What Computer Network Support Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Computer Network Support Specialists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function"; "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"; "Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals"; "Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment"; "Document network support activities".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is associate's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Computer Network Support Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 152,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 154,400 in 2035, an increase of 1,900 jobs (+1.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 9,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $76,220, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Computer Network Support Specialists earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $77,784 in California to $84,882 in New Jersey, a gap of $7,097 (1.09 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $76,220 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 12,590, which is 41.3% of the 30,520 counted across them. New York follows with 9,060.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($84,882), New York ($82,379) and California ($77,784) lead the ranking, while California ($77,784) and New York ($82,379) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Computer Network Support Specialists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $35,033. The smallest margin is $8,140 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 35.9% and 61.9% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Computer Network Support Specialists
Computer User Support Specialists belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Software Developers, Database Architects, Computer Network Architects and Information Security Analysts.
Frequently asked questions about Computer Network Support Specialists
How much do Computer Network Support Specialists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $76,220. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $77,784 to $84,882.
Which state pays Computer Network Support Specialists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $84,882. New York is next at $82,379.
Is Computer Network Support Specialists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 1.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 9,000 openings a year.
What education do Computer Network Support Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Computer Network Support Specialists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $35,033 on a median wage of $86,930.