Network Administrator
Median wage · national
$99,130
Range: $78K – $127K
Employed
314K
Openings/yr
14K
Typically: bachelor's degree
STEM
Computer Network Support Specialists
Computer Network Support Specialists earn $76,220 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $58,240 and $98,750. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
About 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.
- Median Wage
- $76,220
- Employed Nationally
- 146K
- Openings / Year
- 9,600
- Entry Education
- Associate's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
Also known as:
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Support Specialist
Computer Network Analyst
Computer Network Specialist
Computer Network Support Specialist
How Much Do Computer Network Support Specialists Make?
Computer Network Support Specialists earn $76,220 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $58,240 and $98,750. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$76,220
National Median (Annual)
Above the national median for college graduates.
$58K–$99K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$58,240
Entry-level
$76,220
Median
$98,750
Experienced
What Do Computer Network Support Specialists Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Computer Network Support Specialists roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- 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.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Who Thrives Here
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
R
Realistic
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
Where Do Computer Network Support Specialists Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Computer Network Support Specialists?
The BLS projects +1.8% employment change for Computer Network Support Specialists through 2034, below the national average of +5%. About 9,600 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +1.8%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Slower than average.
9,600
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
146K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Computer Network Support Specialists professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $76,220 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 12,730 | $64,440 | -15.5% |
| 2 | California | 11,410 | $79,520 | +4.3% |
| 3 | Ohio | 9,320 | $63,370 | -16.9% |
| 4 | Maryland | 8,310 | $99,780 | +30.9% |
| 5 | Illinois | 8,240 | $64,800 | -15.0% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Computer Network Support Specialists positions require a associate's degree to qualify. The 5 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Associate's degree
Job Zone
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
These positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Science | 72,693 | $107,009 | 1,053 |
| 2 | IT Administration | 46,791 | $85,063 | 1,271 |
| 3 | Computer Systems Networking | 13,734 | $73,587 | 618 |
| 4 | Computer Programming | 12,983 | $83,439 | 628 |
| 5 | Computer Systems Analysis | 2,864 | $78,929 | 116 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Computer Network Support Specialists
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 5 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ | 94 | $6,128 | $110,066 |
| 6 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Computer Network Support Specialists, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Computer Network Support Specialists pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Computer Network Support Specialists Pros & Cons
The data on Computer Network Support Specialists shows 2 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
PROS
- Above-average pay At $76,220 median annually, this career pays meaningfully more than most college-graduate roles. Financial return on education is typically strong.
- Accessible entry path The typical entry requirement is a associate's degree, lower than many comparable-paying careers. This creates a shorter path from training to first paycheck.
CONS
- Slow job growth At +1.8% projected growth, this career lags the national average. Limited expansion means stiffer competition for openings that do appear.
- Limited annual openings With only 9,600 openings per year relative to field size, competition for available positions is intense. Networking and experience matter more here than in higher-turnover fields.
- Multi-year ramp before career-level pay This is a Job Zone 4 occupation, these positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles. Most workers in this field spend their first several years at entry-level pay well below the $76,220 median while building the experience employers require.
- Entry-level pay well below the national median The 25th percentile wage of $58,240 is considerably below the $76,220 median. Early-career workers typically spend 5 or more years building toward typical pay. Factor this into any program ROI calculation.
Computer Network Support Specialists Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Computer Network Support Specialists professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Computer Network Support Specialists is $76,220, above the national median for full-time workers. The middle 50% of earners fall between $58,240 and $98,750. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Computer Network Support Specialists a good career?
For people genuinely interested in the work, yes. At $76,220 median, though slow job growth means most openings come from workers leaving the field rather than new positions being created. Compare program net price against local salary outcomes (not just the national median) before committing.
How long does it take to become a Computer Network Support Specialists?
Expect 4 years of undergraduate education followed by 2 or more years of field experience before most employers consider you qualified for career-level positions. A associate's degree is the typical minimum credential. Degree programs like Computer Science are typical entry paths. Early-career pay during this ramp-up period will be meaningfully below the $76,220 national median. Factor that gap into any program ROI calculation.
What is the job outlook for Computer Network Support Specialists?
The BLS projects +1.8% employment change for Computer Network Support Specialists through 2034, slower than average compared to all occupations. About 9,600 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 146K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Computer Network Support Specialists professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Computer Network Support Specialists roles: Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, and Complex Problem Solving. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
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- Median wage
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Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
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- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
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