Computer Network Support Specialist
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.
Annual openings
314
BLS median wage
$82,750
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
10-year growth
+7%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Work experience
Entry-level
Remote work
Some companies (information technology companies for example) and jobs (such as call center support) offer the opportunity for staff to work remotely, including from rural locations. To see if a job offers this opportunity, please review job postings from job banks such as ZipRecruiter, Indeed or ConnectingColorado, and look for key words such as "location independent", "remote", "virtual", "telecommute", "flex" or for companies posting the same job in many locations.
Employer competency information
- Problem Solving & Decision Making — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it; resolving incidents caused by technical or operator errors; able to quickly identify and compile relevant information and use to solve various problems. Able to identify, frame, and then handle complex challenges by seeking out input from others and reviewing relevant information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical & Analytical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to successfully address various challenges, situations, and opportunities.
- Planning & Organizing — Monitoring/assessing the performance of systems, processes, hardware, and software to take corrective actions and make improvements; validating that a system confirms with key operating parameters.
- Lifelong Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem solving and decision making; showing interest and motivation to learn new material; able to gather new information whether formally presented, shared by others, or personally observed.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- 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.
- Back up network data.
- Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
- Install network software, including security or firewall software.