Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Computer Network Support Specialists
Occupation · SOC 15-1231.00
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.
Also called: Network Specialist · Network Technical Analyst · Network Technician · Systems Specialist · Computer Network Specialist · IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant) · Network Support Specialist · Personal Computer Network Analyst · Cloud Engineer · Cloud Support Specialist · Computer Network Analyst · Computer Network Support Specialist
Job family: Computer and Mathematical Occupations
Take this to your AI
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/roles/role-15-1231-00/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- About average employment outlook (+1.8% by 2034)
- 9,600 openings/yr
- High AI exposure
- Median pay $73,340/yr
80th-percentile task overlap — yet about 9,600 openings a year (+1.8% projected, BLS) . What exposure means →
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Moderate | 66th | 0.8 | |
| AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) High | 89th | 0.3 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.5), with simple added tooling (β 0.6), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.8). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals. | 7.9% | |
| Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups. | 6.0% | |
| Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches. | 5.2% | |
| Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs. | 3.2% | |
| Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function. | 1.5% | |
| Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals. | 1.2% |
Job outlook
Independent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projection for 2024–2034 — a labor-market forecast, not an AI-impact forecast.
| Outlook | About average · +1.8% by 2034 |
| Projected annual openings | 9,600 |
| Employment 2024 → 2034 | 152,700 → 155,500 |
“Annual openings” counts new jobs plus replacements for workers who leave the occupation, so it can be large even when growth is modest.
Tasks
All 26 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Back up network data. Core · importance 4.4
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals. Core · importance 4.4
- Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches. Core · importance 4.3
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment. Core · importance 4.2
- Document network support activities. Core · importance 4.1
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment. Core · importance 4.0
- Install network software, including security or firewall software. Core · importance 4.0
- 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. Core · importance 4.0
- Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues. Core · importance 4.0
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups. Core · importance 4.0
- Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function. Core · importance 3.9
- Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment. Core · importance 3.9
- 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. Core · importance 3.9
- Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems. Core · importance 3.9
- Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures. Core · importance 3.7
- Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables. Core · importance 3.7
- Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification. Core · importance 3.7
- Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations. Core · importance 3.6
- Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems. Core · importance 3.6
- Test repaired items to ensure proper operation. Core · importance 3.6
- Install and configure wireless networking equipment. Core · importance 3.5
- Maintain logs of network activity. Core · importance 3.4
- Document help desk requests and resolutions. Core · importance 3.4
- Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs. Core · importance 3.3
- Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals. Core · importance 3.3
- Run monthly network reports. Core · importance 3.0
Work activities
- Monitor the performance of computer networks.
- Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems.
- Configure computer networks.
- Develop specifications for computer network operation.
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
- Document network-related activities or tasks.
- Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
- Resolve computer network problems.
- Install computer hardware.
- Install computer software.
- Maintain computer hardware.
- Test computer hardware performance.
- Test software performance.
- Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
- Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
- Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
- Prepare instruction manuals.
- Document operational activities.
- Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
- Provide technical support for computer network issues.
- Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
- Train others in computer interface or software use.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
Abilities
| Oral Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.9 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 3.9 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.8 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 3.8 | |
| Written Comprehension | 3.6 | |
| Information Ordering | 3.5 | |
| Written Expression | 3.4 | |
| Near Vision | 3.4 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.4 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.4 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.1 | |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.0 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.0 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.0 | |
| Finger Dexterity | 3.0 |
Essential skills
| 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 |
Transferable skills
| 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 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Showing the top 40 of 69.
Tools & technology
Showing the top 40 of 142.
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Typical entry-level education
- Associate's degree · BLS, the typical path — not a requirement
- Related experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Preparation level
- SVP (7.0 to < 8.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| 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 | 4.2% | |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 1.8% | |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 1.5% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Interest areas
| Information Technology | 6.6 | |
| Engineering | 3.8 | |
| Mechanics/Electronics | 3.6 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 2.3 | |
| Office Work | 2.1 | |
| Management/Administration | 2.1 |
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Conventional | 5.5 | |
| Investigative | 4.6 | |
| Realistic | 4.4 | |
| Enterprising | 2.6 | |
| Social | 2.3 |
Work styles
| Dependability | 5.0 | |
| Attention to Detail | 4.0 | |
| Integrity | 3.0 | |
| Cautiousness | 2.1 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 2.0 |
Wages & employment
U.S. · annual wages (BLS OEWS)
| 10th percentile | $46,010 |
| 25th percentile | $56,720 |
| Median (50th) | $73,340 |
| 75th percentile | $95,710 |
| 90th percentile | $124,470 |
| People employed | 146,450 |
Industries that employ this occupation
Where these workers are employed, by number of jobs (national, BLS OEWS). Pay shown is the occupation's national median, not industry-specific.
| Industry | Workers | National median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 40,870 | $74,040 |
| Information · Sector | 22,770 | $78,600 |
| Educational Services · Sector | 17,320 | $64,790 |
| Finance and Insurance · Sector | 8,970 | $78,630 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 8,770 | $80,090 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services · Sector | 7,860 | $66,220 |
| Wholesale Trade · Sector | 6,920 | $71,930 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance · Sector | 6,390 | $69,220 |
| Manufacturing · Sector | 5,670 | $76,720 |
| Temporary Help Services · National industry | 2,960 | $62,850 |
| Transportation and Warehousing · Sector | 2,580 | $69,930 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) · Sector | 1,920 | $66,620 |
Where this work is most concentrated
Industries where this occupation is far more common than in the economy as a whole. The location quotient is how many times more concentrated it is here (a value of 5 means five times its economy-wide share).
| Industry | Concentration | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Information · Sector | 8.24× | 22,770 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services · Sector | 4× | 40,870 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises · Sector | 3.29× | 8,770 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers · National industry | 2.93× | 1,250 |
| Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation · National industry | 1.77× | 120 |
| Engineering Services · National industry | 1.64× | 1,800 |
| Finance and Insurance · Sector | 1.52× | 8,970 |
| Utilities · Sector | 1.38× | 760 |
Related occupations
Part of the Digital Technology career cluster.
- Computer Network Architects · 15-1241.00 Compare →
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- Penetration Testers · 15-1299.04 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Computer Network Support Specialists — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Associate's degree · typical entry level
- Job zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services · field of study
Zoom out
See where this work sits in the bigger picture.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Computer Network Support Specialists show 80th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 9,600 annual U.S. openings
- Computer Network Support Specialists rank in the 80th percentile (High band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
- The occupation is projected to see about 9,600 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.8%) from 2024 to 2034.BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
- Median annual pay is $73,340, across about 146,450 U.S. workers.BLS OEWS (May 2024)
Copy the whole kit
Computer Network Support Specialists show 80th-percentile AI task overlap — and about 9,600 annual U.S. openings • Computer Network Support Specialists rank in the 80th percentile (High band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) • The occupation is projected to see about 9,600 U.S. job openings per year (2024–34), counting growth and replacement — a labor-demand projection made independently of AI. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • BLS projects employment to be about average (+1.8%) from 2024 to 2034. (BLS Employment Projections 2024–34) • Median annual pay is $73,340, across about 146,450 U.S. workers. (BLS OEWS (May 2024)) Source: Singulariki — "Computer Network Support Specialists". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1231-00 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai Microsoft Research
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Computer Network Support Specialists." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1231-00
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Computer Network Support Specialists. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1231-00
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-15-1231-00,
title = {Computer Network Support Specialists},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); Microsoft “Working with AI” working-with-ai; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1231-00}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.