NorthStar

Occupations/15-1231.00

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.

Bachelor’s

Usually a four-year bachelor’s degree.

AI automation risk

71%

Higher automation risk

Human characteristics

43%

Balanced human and task mix

Task orientation

67%

Higher automation risk

A day in this job

  • Mostly human

    Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.

  • Task

    Back up network data.

  • Task

    Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.

The tasks we can read here lean on people, judgment, or hands-on work. The AI risk number is still this job’s rank against other occupations.

Core tasks

  1. 01Back up network data.
  2. 02Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
  3. 03Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
  4. 04Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
  5. 05Document network support activities.
  6. 06Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

  • Repeating same tasks3.71
  • Degree of automation2.28
  • Time sitting3.72
  • Originality (ability)2.62
  • Conflict situations2.58
  • Hands-on objects/tools3.10
  • Outdoors / weather1.51
  • Disease exposure1.53
  • Decision freedom4.26

Top abilities

  • Problem Sensitivity3.88
  • Oral Comprehension3.88
  • Deductive Reasoning3.88
  • Oral Expression3.75
  • Inductive Reasoning3.75
  • Written Comprehension3.62
  • Information Ordering3.50
  • Written Expression3.38

Essential skills

  • Reading Comprehension3.38
  • Active Listening3.50
  • Writing3.00
  • Speaking3.25
  • Mathematics2.12
  • Science1.88
  • Critical Thinking3.75
  • Active Learning3.25
  • Learning Strategies2.62
  • Monitoring3.25

CIP matches

11.0201Computer Programming/Programmer, General11.0501Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst11.0701Computer Science11.0901Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications11.0902Cloud Computing11.1001Network and System Administration/Administrator11.1002System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager11.1003Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance11.1006Computer Support Specialist

Schools offering related programs

12 of 77 shown

Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.

InstitutionProgramTuitionAdmitGrad 6-yrEarnings

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$62,4004%96%

1 yr $147,858

2 yr $136,499

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$60,1004%96%

1 yr $142,198

2 yr $128,737

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$60,40012%88%

1 yr $137,605

2 yr —

Master's · CIP 11.07

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$13,8009%92%

1 yr $128,909

2 yr $125,388

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$17,50045%85%

1 yr $117,393

2 yr $101,592

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$11,80017%91%

1 yr $108,092

2 yr $92,632

Master's · CIP 11.07

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$68,2004%96%

1 yr $107,089

2 yr $103,078

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College

Chicago, IL · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$4,600100%27%

1 yr $101,406

2 yr $98,403

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public

Computer Science

11.0701

$12,60048%84%

1 yr $99,833

2 yr $101,221

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$68,20012%92%

1 yr $94,851

2 yr $91,986

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$65,40012%95%

1 yr $93,342

2 yr $88,639

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

Computer Science

11.0701

$63,2007%91%

1 yr $91,744

2 yr $84,100

Bachelor's · CIP 11.07