Computer Network Support Specialists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)
Computer and Mathematical · SOC 15-1231 · O*NET 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.
Computer Network Support Specialists fall under the Computer and Mathematical category in the U.S. occupational classification. Computer Network Support Specialists earn a median salary of $73,340 per year, ranking in the top 30% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.8% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.
What do computer network support specialists earn?
The median annual wage for computer network support specialists is $73,340. That puts computer network support specialists at #247 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $46,010 |
| 25th percentile | $56,720 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $73,340 |
| 75th percentile | $95,710 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,470 |
| Median hourly wage | $35.26/hr |
Is computer network support specialists a growing career?
The 10-year outlook for computer network support specialists is +1.8%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 152K positions in 2024 to 155K in 2034, a net change of 3K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.
What do computer network support specialists do every day?
According to O*NET task surveys of working computer network support specialists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.
- 1.Back up network data.
- 2.Document network support activities.
- 3.Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
- 4.Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
- 5.Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
- 6.Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
- 7.Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
- 8.Maintain logs of network activity.
Top skills for computer network support specialists
O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.
What education does my child need to become computer network support specialist?
The standard path into computer network support specialists begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.
Based on O*NET surveys of incumbents — what people in this job actually have, not what employers list as required.
Related careers your child might also consider
How parents help teens explore careers like this
Solyo helps parents map a teen's interests to specific careers, then back to the colleges and majors that lead there. Salary, outlook, and education data come from BLS and O*NET — the same sources high school counselors use — but presented for the parent's planning lens, not the student's exploration view.
Common questions parents ask about computer network support specialists
What is the median salary for computer network support specialists?
The median annual salary for computer network support specialists is $73,340 according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Is computer network support specialists a growing career?
BLS projects +1.8% growth for computer network support specialists from 2024 through 2034, which is flat growth projected to grow slower than the US average.
What education does my child need to become computer network support specialist?
The typical entry path requires a bachelor's degree, plus any state licensure or certification specific to the role. Programs that align well with this career can be filtered inside Solyo's college search.
What careers are similar to computer network support specialists?
Related occupations within the Computer and Mathematical category share education paths and skill profiles, so they're a useful starting set when a teen is uncertain. The "Related careers" section below lists nearby options.
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program. Skills, tasks, and education distribution from the O*NET database. Job outlook from the BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 release.