Computer Network Support Specialists
Also called: Network Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Systems SpecialistAnalyze, 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.
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What the data says: AI could halve the time on 22 of its 26 tasks, yet jobs are projected to grow 1.2% by 2035. In the most exposed occupations, the squeeze shows up first among early-career workers. How to think about this →
About this projection
BLS builds AI into its projections where the research supports it: “BLS generally applies adjustments based on this research conservatively, where there is convincing evidence for a change.”
It also notes a limit: “BLS projection methods are not designed to capture extremely rapid technological change.”
On its AI exposure groups, BLS says exposure “does not imply job loss.”
Recent conditions
- In 2024, 3.9% of people in this work were unemployed, against 3.8% across all occupations Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Computer support specialists”
- From Sep 2025 to Aug 2026, 7.9 hires for every 10 job openings in professional and business services, which employs about 40% of people in this work, against 7.3 across all industries BLS JOLTS
One box per opening, filled for each hire; hires beyond the openings are added in a lighter shade. Higher can mean openings get filled, or that people leave often; lower, that jobs go unfilled, or hiring is slow.7.9 this industry7.3 all industries
Median pay by state BLS OEWS May 2025, state estimates
Tap a state for its figures.
Median pay in every state
| State | Median | Middle half earn | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $61,890 | $48,340 to $79,660 | 940 |
| Alaska | $86,110 | $63,930 to $103,340 | 300 |
| Arizona | $68,880 | $53,650 to $87,640 | 1,460 |
| Arkansas | $59,460 | $47,150 to $75,680 | 1,470 |
| California | $79,190 | $56,790 to $104,920 | 13,620 |
| Colorado | $82,750 | $74,410 to $91,760 | 4,530 |
| Connecticut | $81,890 | $62,840 to $111,460 | 850 |
| Delaware | $60,580 | $48,970 to $78,800 | 330 |
| District of Columbia | $91,370 | $80,160 to $121,100 | 450 |
| Florida | $75,740 | $58,780 to $93,280 | 9,450 |
| Georgia | $79,180 | $61,180 to $106,940 | 4,440 |
| Guam | $46,110 | $39,530 to $63,450 | 40 |
| Hawaii | $83,620 | $59,800 to $100,410 | 350 |
| Idaho | $63,340 | $57,420 to $82,920 | 780 |
| Illinois | $68,530 | $58,670 to $84,410 | 6,960 |
| Indiana | $73,100 | $56,520 to $97,320 | 5,030 |
| Iowa | $64,600 | $51,280 to $80,460 | 1,920 |
| Kansas | $60,060 | $49,570 to $74,640 | 310 |
| Kentucky | not published | not published | 1,720 |
| Louisiana | $58,680 | $49,190 to $76,140 | 1,290 |
| Maine | $72,990 | $52,120 to $81,490 | 680 |
| Maryland | $96,680 | $70,990 to $137,570 | 8,200 |
| Massachusetts | $88,650 | $76,900 to $109,730 | 1,980 |
| Michigan | $65,900 | $51,360 to $83,700 | 2,470 |
| Minnesota | $76,000 | $62,510 to $88,450 | 2,930 |
| Mississippi | $63,410 | $45,600 to $78,470 | 1,240 |
| Missouri | $72,780 | $55,410 to $97,430 | 3,910 |
| Montana | $61,150 | $55,990 to $72,550 | 890 |
| Nebraska | $65,450 | $53,200 to $81,850 | 1,490 |
| Nevada | $85,790 | $63,130 to $109,990 | 2,460 |
| New Hampshire | $72,330 | $59,850 to $86,990 | 680 |
| New Jersey | $87,440 | $66,710 to $108,610 | 3,370 |
| New Mexico | $64,550 | $54,480 to $87,340 | 1,300 |
| New York | $77,540 | $61,430 to $99,550 | 7,170 |
| North Carolina | not published | not published | 6,080 |
| North Dakota | $73,550 | $63,240 to $90,180 | 500 |
| Ohio | $70,080 | $55,640 to $91,730 | 7,480 |
| Oklahoma | $78,740 | $63,020 to $101,610 | 1,940 |
| Oregon | $68,900 | $56,910 to $81,050 | 2,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $78,310 | $60,710 to $101,140 | 4,170 |
| Puerto Rico | $39,570 | $31,070 to $58,820 | 670 |
| Rhode Island | $82,970 | $68,760 to $107,250 | 620 |
| South Carolina | $76,790 | $60,510 to $98,690 | 2,660 |
| South Dakota | $53,650 | $46,680 to $62,900 | 480 |
| Tennessee | $77,640 | $58,780 to $96,500 | 2,660 |
| Texas | $66,780 | $54,080 to $92,240 | 9,930 |
| Utah | not published | not published | 990 |
| Vermont | $72,400 | $61,400 to $81,740 | 120 |
| Virgin Islands | $56,360 | $47,820 to $68,980 | 30 |
| Virginia | $76,760 | $58,720 to $98,580 | 5,650 |
| Washington | $101,750 | $80,590 to $134,340 | 3,300 |
| West Virginia | $46,840 | $36,450 to $60,970 | 600 |
| Wisconsin | $81,010 | $67,350 to $93,120 | 1,140 |
| Wyoming | $61,780 | $55,370 to $81,900 | 270 |
Nationally: $76,220. Shades run from the lowest state median to the highest; a territory below that range takes the lightest. How to read this
How AI touches the work
What AI could speed up, task by task, and where people already use it.
AI could halve the time on 22 of its 26 tasks
| AI rating | Its main tasks | Share of Claude conversations May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| AI + software | Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals. | 0.01% |
| AI + software | Back up network data. | Not published |
| AI + software | Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function. | under 0.01% |
| AI + software | Document network support activities. | Not published |
| Not much | Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems. | 0.01% |
| AI + software | Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups. | 0.03% |
See all 26 tasks
| AI + software | Install network software, including security or firewall software. | under 0.01% |
| AI + software | Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment. | Not published |
| AI + software | 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. | 0.01% |
| Not much | Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment. | Not published |
| AI alone | Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues. | Not published |
| AI + software | Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches. | 0.01% |
| AI + software | Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment. | under 0.01% |
| AI + software | 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. | Not published |
| AI + software | Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures. | Not published |
| AI alone | Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals. | 0.01% |
| AI + software | Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations. | Not published |
| Not much | Install and configure wireless networking equipment. | Not published |
| AI + software | Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification. | Not published |
| AI alone | Test repaired items to ensure proper operation. | Not published |
| Not much | Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables. | Not published |
| AI alone | Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs. | under 0.01% |
| AI alone | Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems. | under 0.01% |
| AI alone | Document help desk requests and resolutions. | under 0.01% |
| AI + software | Maintain logs of network activity. | Not published |
| AI + software | Run monthly network reports. | Not published |
Ordered by how important O*NET's respondents rate each task (1 to 5) times the share who say it is part of their job. The ordering is ours. 12 of the 26 have a published share of Claude conversations; “not published” means too few conversations for Anthropic to publish a figure.
Where people already use AI
The tasks above say what AI could speed up. This shows what people are using it for. Its 26 tasks fall under 16 work activities that many occupations share, and Microsoft counted how often each one came up in 200,000 conversations with its Copilot assistant in 2024.
- #4 Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise
- #23 Prepare informational or instructional materials
- #27 Research technology designs or applications
- and 2 more, in the table below
| Work activity | This occupation's tasks under it | People asked AI for help in 10,000 conversations |
AI did it for them in 10,000 conversations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systems | |||
| Document technical designs, procedures, or activities | |||
| Resolve computer problems | |||
| Test performance of computer or information systems | |||
| Implement security measures for computer or information systems | |||
| Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise | |||
| Prepare informational or instructional materials | |||
| Research technology designs or applications |
Show all 16 activities
| Advise others on the design or use of technologies | |||
| Analyze performance of systems or equipment | |||
| Develop technical specifications for products or operations | |||
| Monitor operation of computer or information technologies | |||
| Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment | |||
| Analyze data to improve operations | |||
| Maintain operational records | |||
| Train others to use equipment or products |
How people in this work use Claude
What people in this work made with Claude % of conversations
- Configuration or infrastructure33%
- A document or report17%
- An explanation or answer16%
- Advice or a recommendation6%
- A plan or strategy4%
How they worked with Claude
56% of these conversations were about work. Anthropic Economic Index, May 2026.
How to read this
Work activities come from O*NET, which links every task to the broader activities it involves. Microsoft's figures are for the activity across everyone who used Copilot, not for computer network support specialists specifically. Copilot is a general chat assistant; dedicated coding tools are not included, so programming help is under-counted here. Activities are listed by how many of this occupation's tasks fall under them.
The task ratings say whether AI could halve the time a task takes: on its own (“AI alone”), or with software built on it (“AI + software”). They were made by people in 2023 (Eloundou et al.). Claude's share is the task's share of all Claude.ai conversations in May 2026; Anthropic doesn't publish a task with too few conversations. None of these add up to the BLS exposure group, which combines five research measures.
More in the Guide: task ratings · task order · work activities · Copilot figures · Claude
High exposure doesn't mean fewer jobs
BLS projects most occupations in its two most exposed groups to grow: 141 of 206 rated Very high and 165 of 206 rated High. Each dot is one of the 831 occupations BLS rates.
Career moves into and out of this occupation
From moves between occupations found in online resumes, 2002–2016. Career changes only: a first job after school isn't a move.
Where people moved next
of 81,424 moves out
- 1 Computer User Support Specialists Very high -3.5% 12%
- 2 Network and Computer Systems Administrators Very high -4.1% 10%
- 3 Computer Occupations, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 8%
- 4 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 5%
- 5 Computer Network Architects Very high +7.7% 5%
Where people moved in from
of 74,143 moves in
- 1 Computer User Support Specialists Very high -3.5% 16%
- 2 Network and Computer Systems Administrators Very high -4.1% 10%
- 3 Computer Occupations, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 6%
- 4 Managers, All Other (2010 group) an older group BLS has since split; no exposure group today 4%
- 5 Computer Network Architects Very high +7.7% 4%
Resumes over-represent younger, white-collar job-seekers and moves into management. Schubert, Stansbury and Taska (resume data).
Education and training for the occupation
O*NET survey of workers in this occupation
- 4% high school
- 10% postsecondary certificate
- 14% some college
- 22% associate's
- 47% bachelor's
- 2% post-bachelor's certificate
- 2% post-master's certificate
O*NET 31.0 survey of workers in this occupation · 38 people answered.
Census survey (American Community Survey)
- 1% less than high school
- 11% high school
- 24% some college
- 15% associate's
- 36% bachelor's
- 11% master's
- 1% professional degree
- 1% doctorate
Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Computer support specialists” · 6,726 people surveyed.
Why the two can differ
O*NET asks about 20 people in each occupation, which makes its shares uncertain, but it reports the exact occupation and counts certificates. The Census survey reaches thousands, but it groups some occupations together and counts degrees only. More in the Guide
Median pay by highest degree full-time, year-round · Census ACS 2024, all workers in the Census group “Computer support specialists”
9 programs, such as Computer Programming/Programmer, General, Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst and Computer Science.
See all
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
- Computer Science
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Cloud Computing
- Network and System Administration/Administrator
- System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
- Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
- Computer Support Specialist
Jobs that require a credential BLS Occupational Requirements Survey 2023
22.7% this occupation
45.3% all occupations
| By kind | This occupation | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| a certification | 4.2% | 5.8% |
| a license | not published | |
| an educational certificate | not published |
Share of jobs whose employer requires it. BLS doesn't say which credential. How to read this
Look up certifications, training and licenses U.S. Department of Labor
- Certification Finder ↗ certifications CareerOneStop lists for this occupation
- Training Finder ↗ schools and programs, nationwide; narrow the place there
- License Finder ↗ licenses by state
- Apprenticeship Finder ↗ DOL lists 2 registered apprenticeships in this occupation (Cloud Support Specialist; Junior Cloud Engineer (NOF)). Apprenticeship.gov can't be linked to one occupation, so search for “Computer Network Support Specialists” there.
These open in a new tab and send only the occupation's public code. More in the Guide
BLS AI exposure categories (Aug 2026) · BLS Employment Projections 2025–35 · O*NET 31.0 · Task ratings: Eloundou et al., Science (2024) · Microsoft "Working with AI" v1.1 · Anthropic Economic Index (2026-06-26) · Schubert, Stansbury and Taska · NCES CIP–SOC · Census ACS 2024 · BLS JOLTS · Brynjolfsson, Chandar and Chen, Stanford (Aug 2026)
See it online, and explore any career: https://www.pathmosaic.com/card/15-1231.00