Computer Network Support Specialists earn a median of $76,220 per year ($36.64/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 1.2% through 2035, with about 9,000 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 15-1231
- Computer and Mathematical
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Computer Network Support Specialist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $76,220a year, or $36.64/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $47KTop 10% $128K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.2%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 9,000152,500 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025152.5K
- Projected 2035154.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 152.5K Projected 2035 154.4K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school4.2%
- Certificate10.2%
- Some college13.6%
- Associate's21.7%
- Bachelor's46.9%
- Post-bacc certificate1.8%
Highest education held by computer network support specialists Segment Value High school 4.2% Certificate 10.2% Some college 13.6% Associate's 21.7% Bachelor's 46.9% Post-bacc certificate 1.8%
Also advertised as: Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), Network Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician.
Pay
How much do computer network support specialists make?
Computer Network Support Specialists earn a median of $76,220 a year ($36.64 an hour, or about $6,350 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $47,120 and the top 10% more than $127,780 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is Washington, with a median of $101,750. See Computer network support specialist salary in Washington and every other state. By city, pay is highest around San Jose ($135,950 average): salary in every city.
Every computer network support specialist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$76,220
Middle half earn $58,240 to $98,750
- 10th
- $47,120
- 25th
- $58,240
- 75th
- $98,750
- 90th
- $127,780
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $47,120 |
| 25th | $58,240 |
| Median | $76,220 |
| 75th | $98,750 |
| 90th | $127,780 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $76,220
- Median hourly wage
- $36.64/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $81,870
- People employed
- 146,190
Versus all US occupations
At $76,220, Computer Network Support Specialists earn 50% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $25,240 a year.
Versus computer and mathematical occupations
Inside the Computer and Mathematical group, where the middle occupation pays $116,580, this is 35% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $127,780 or more while the bottom 10% earn $47,120, a gap of 2.7×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 52% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $101,750, and still leads at $95,082 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay computer network support specialists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $101,750 | $95,082 | 3,300 |
| 2Maryland | $96,680 | $92,112 | 8,200 |
| 3District of Columbia | $91,370 | $83,138 | 450 |
| 4Massachusetts | $88,650 | $83,824 | 1,980 |
| 5New Jersey | $87,440 | $80,364 | 3,370 |
| 6Alaska | $86,110 | $84,125 | 300 |
| 7Nevada | $85,790 | $85,808 | 2,460 |
| 8Hawaii | $83,620 | $76,052 | 350 |
| 9Rhode Island | $82,970 | $81,120 | 620 |
| 10Colorado | $82,750 | $80,299 | 4,530 |
Job outlook
Is computer network support specialist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer Network Support Specialists | +1.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Computer Network Support Specialists to change 1.2% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 1,900 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 9,000 openings are projected each year, 5.9% of the 152,500 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of computer support specialists varies by occupation. (See table.)
Employment growth of computer network support specialists is expected to be constrained because some businesses, especially smaller organizations with minimal information technology (IT) requirements, may find it more cost effective to contract with outside firms for these services rather than to employ computer network support specialists. Some of these workers also may be replaced by computer network architects because of a computer industry shift towards workers with broader skillsets that include design skills. However, the importance of strong network and other IT infrastructure will support some demand for computer network support specialists.
AI exposure: very high
BLS places this occupation in its very high relative AI exposure category, among the occupations most exposed to current AI.
Getting in
How to become a computer network support specialist
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 for either type of position may qualify with a high school diploma plus relevant information technology (IT) certifications.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as computer network support specialists.
- Bachelor's Degree46.9%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree21.7%
- Some College Courses13.6%
- Post-Secondary Certificate10.2%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4.2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 46.9% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 21.7% |
| Some College Courses | 13.6% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 10.2% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 4.2% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a computer network support specialist do?
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.
Computer support specialists assist computer users and organizations. These specialists either maintain computer networks or provide technical help directly to computer users.
Day-to-day tasks
- Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
- Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
- 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.
- Document network support activities.
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
- Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most computer support specialists work full time. Because computer support services may need to be available 24 hours a day, some specialists work nights or weekends.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where computer network support specialists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Computer systems design and related services20%
- Educational services; state, local, and private11%
- Telecommunications8%
- Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals8%
- Finance and insurance6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Computer systems design and related services | 20% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 11% |
| Telecommunications | 8% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 8% |
| Finance and insurance | 6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Active Listening3.5
- Reading Comprehension3.4
- Speaking3.3
- Active Learning3.3
- Monitoring3.3
- Writing3.0
- Learning Strategies2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Active Listening | 3.5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 |
| Speaking | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.3 |
| Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.0 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4
- Complex Problem Solving3.3
- Troubleshooting3.1
- Systems Analysis3.1
- Operations Monitoring3.0
- Systems Evaluation3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Social Perceptiveness2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.3 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.1 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Cloud-based management software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Internet directory services software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Project management software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as a computer network support specialist?
Women make up 29.1% of computer network support specialists, against 47.1% of all employed people: more men than in the workforce as a whole.
21.1% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 42.4 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 29.1%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 42.4All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 21.1%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 677,000Computer support specialists · BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of computer network support specialists | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 29.1% | 47.1% |
| White | 68.7% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 13.1% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 14.0% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 9.2% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 21.1% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 6.2% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%. CPS reports this occupation only within the wider Census group “Computer support specialists”, so these figures are for that group.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a computer network support specialist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Computer Network Support Specialist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 4 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Conventional5.5
- Investigative4.6
- Realistic4.4
- Enterprising2.6
- Social2.3
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Computer Network Support Specialist
O*NET related occupations
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
$99,130median a year
Most earn $63K to $155K
−4.1%Bachelor's - Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
More computer and mathematical careers
Median annual pay, with computer network support specialists highlighted
- Software Developer$135,980
- Actuary$130,000
- Data Scientist$120,230
- Business Intelligence Analyst$120,230
- Database Administrator$104,620
- Web Designer$104,000
- Computer Programmer$100,390
- Web Developer$92,650
- Computer Network Support Specialist$76,220
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $135,980 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Data Scientist | $120,230 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $120,230 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 |
| Web Designer | $104,000 |
| Computer Programmer | $100,390 |
| Web Developer | $92,650 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $76,220 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within computer network support specialist
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Computer Network Support Specialist appears on
Questions
Computer Network Support Specialist: frequently asked questions
How much do computer network support specialists make?
Computer Network Support Specialists earn a median of $76,220 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 50% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $36.64/hr. The middle half earn between $58,240 and $98,750. The top 10% earn $127,780 or more.
How much do computer network support specialists make an hour?
The median hourly wage for computer network support specialists is $36.64 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $76,220 annual median works out to about $6,350 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for a computer network support specialist?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of computer network support specialists earn less than $47,120 a year and the bottom quarter less than $58,240 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do computer network support specialists make $100k?
A minority do. $100,000 sits between the 75th percentile ($98,750) and the 90th ($127,780), so roughly 10% to 25% of computer network support specialists earn more than that (BLS OEWS, May 2025). One state has a median above $100,000: Washington ($101,750).
Which states pay computer network support specialists the most?
The highest state medians for Computer Network Support Specialists are Washington ($101,750), Maryland ($96,680), District of Columbia ($91,370) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What kind of computer network support specialist earns the most?
BLS does not split computer network support specialists' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $127,780, against a median of $76,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are Washington ($101,750), Maryland ($96,680), District of Columbia ($91,370). BLS also counts a specialty career inside this occupation (SOC analyst), which shares its federal pay figures.
Do you need a degree to become a computer network support specialist?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Computer Network Support Specialists. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 46.9% hold bachelor's degree.
How long does it take to become a computer network support specialist?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for computer network support specialists is an associate's degree. Once hired, BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical. O*NET classes the work as needing considerable preparation.
Is computer network support specialist a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.2% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 9,000 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a computer network support specialist do?
Computer support specialists assist computer users and organizations. A core O*NET task: analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function. Employers most often ask for Cloud-based management software, Data base management system software, Data base user interface and query software.
Do computer network support specialists work 40 hours a week?
A 40-hour week is the most common pattern, though not a majority. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 46% of computer network support specialists usually work more than 40 hours a week, 47% work exactly 40 and 7% work fewer. 79% say their schedule is regular and 21% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits a computer network support specialist?
O*NET scores Computer Network Support Specialists highest on the Conventional, Investigative and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of computer network support specialists are women?
Women make up 29.1% of computer network support specialists, against 47.1% of all employed people: more men than in the workforce as a whole. 21.1% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 42.4 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages, for the Census group "Computer support specialists".