Occupations · Computer and Mathematical
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.
O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 15-1231.00
What it pays
A single “average salary” hides the spread. This is the whole distribution — the gap between the bottom and top bar is usually the number that matters.
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 · national, cross-industry · annual wage
Pay over time
Median up 16% between 2019 and 2024, before inflation. The band shows the 10th to 90th percentile.
BLS OEWS, one release per year. Before May 2011 only national estimates were published, so geography detail starts there.
Where the jobs are
| Metro area | Median wage | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $88,980 | 6,620 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $86,730 | 6,070 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $69,200 | 5,730 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $104,130 | 4,720 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $71,190 | 4,710 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $74,040 | 4,020 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $85,010 | 2,730 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $83,840 | 2,630 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $74,080 | 2,480 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $65,840 | 2,380 |
| Columbus, OH | $70,900 | 2,260 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $79,460 | 2,210 |
BLS OEWS May 2024, metropolitan estimates · the 12 areas with the most people in this occupation
Typical education to enter: Associate's degree · BLS Employment Projections 2024–34
What people in this job actually do
Ordered by how important the work is rated.
- 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.
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
- Install network software, including security or firewall software.
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
- 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.
- Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
- Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
- Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale
Skills that matter most
Importance, rated 1 to 5.
O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale
Software and tools
A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.
O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag
What this work is actually like
Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.
O*NET 30.3 Job Zones
Working conditions that stand out
O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2014-07
How people actually get in
Share of workers by the education they hold.
O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2014-07
What kind of person the work suits
Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.
O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)
What you take with you
Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.
O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale
Knowledge the work draws on
Abilities it leans on
O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale
How this job is advertised
The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.
O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation
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What changed since 2020
Comparing O*NET release 25.1 (2020-11-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning. 3 entries that were only relabelled between releases are left out.
Now listed 12
No longer listed 11
Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.
Related jobs
O*NET 30.3 related occupations
Also called
O*NET 30.3 alternative titles
The same work in Europe
| ESCO occupation | ISCO | Match |
|---|---|---|
| ICT network administrator | 2522.1.1 | exact |
| ICT network engineer | 2523.3 | close |
| ICT system administrator | 2522.1 | close |
| telecommunications engineer | 2153.1 | close |
| ICT network technician | 3513.2 | broader |
Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)
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