Career Explorer Computing and maths
Changing shape
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.
Among the careers AI is changing fastest: more resilient than 4% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by +1.2% by 2035, slower than average.
AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.
- Median pay (2025)
- $76,220
- Job growth to 2035
- +1.2%
- Openings a year
- 9,000
- People doing it (2025)
- 152,000
- Usual route in
- Associate's degree, then moderate on-the-job training
Where people already use AI for this work
- Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systems
- Resolve computer problems
- Document technical designs, procedures, or activities
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Implement security measures for computer or information systems
- Analyze data to improve operations
- Train others to use equipment or products
What the work looks like
- 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.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- Fewer of these jobs, as companies complete cloud migrations and outsource network support to cloud providers.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Computer network architectsGrows with AI, Index 18, +7.7%
- SurveyorsGrows with AI, Index 38, +5.8%
- Environmental engineering technologists and techniciansChanging shape, Index 26, +3.1%
- Environmental science and protection technicians, including healthGrows with AI, Index 47, +6.9%
Also known as: Network Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Systems Specialist, Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), Network Support Specialist, Personal Computer Network Analyst.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.