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.
146,190 people do this job in the US. $76,220 a year.
of the working time. Estimate.
- 77%
- 5%
- 18%
Measured, from Anthropic's usage data (2025). Counts help on part of a task.
On the chosen pace and reliability. Estimate.
Share of the working time within reach, now to 2030
What each choice means: , , , , . Every pace starts from .
At this date and pace, models finish tasks up to 4.4 h long four times in five.
How far this has come
With GPT-4, measured in March 2023, 0% of this job's working time was within reach at . With Claude 3.7 Sonnet, measured in February 2025, 1%. With Claude Mythos Preview (early), measured in April 2026, 41%. Today's estimate: 52%.
A backcast: today's task data with the best model METR had measured by each date. It shows how fast the models have moved, not what anyone forecast at the time.
The tasks
Sorted by . 26 tasks from .
| Task | Kind | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.Done daily by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 11% | 1.7 h25 min to 3.3 h | 65%Half by now | |
| Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.Done more than yearly by most who do it. | 10% | 1.7 h25 min to 3.3 h | 65%Half by now | |
| 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.Done daily by most who do it. | 9% | 1.7 h25 min to 4.2 h | 57%Half by now | |
| 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.Done yearly or less by most who do it. | 8% | 1.7 h25 min to 5 h | 51%Half by now | |
| Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.Done more than yearly by most who do it. | 7% | 3.3 h50 min to 6.7 h | Stays with people | |
| Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.Done daily by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 7% | 1.1 h25 min to 2.5 h | 91%Half by now | |
| Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.Done more than monthly by most who do it. | 6% | 1.7 h25 min to 4.2 h | 57%Half by now | |
| Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.Done more than weekly by most who do it. | 5% | 1.7 h25 min to 3.3 h | Stays with people | |
| Install and configure wireless networking equipment.Done more than yearly by most who do it. | 5% | 2.1 h38 min to 4.2 h | Stays with people | |
| Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.Done more than monthly by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 5% | 3.3 h50 min to 1.3 work days | 25%Half by Mar 2027 | |
| Install network software, including security or firewall software.Done more than yearly by most who do it. | 4% | 1.7 h25 min to 3.3 h | 65%Half by now | |
| Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.Done more than monthly by most who do it. AI observed on this task. | 3% | 38 min13 min to 2.5 h | 86%Half by now |
Within reach, per task: the share of the task's time whose instances are short enough for a model to finish at the chosen date, pace and reliability. Half by: the date half of that time comes within reach.
Jobs that share skills with this one
From O*NET's related occupations. Within reach now and by the end of 2028, long-run pace, four in five.
- Computer Network Architects14% now, 79% by 2028
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators21% now, 79% by 2028
- Computer User Support Specialists42% now, 62% by 2028
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects16% now, 64% by 2028
- Information Security Engineers12% now, 89% by 2028
- Information Security Analysts13% now, 92% by 2028
Where this job works
The industry groups that employ the most of it (BLS, May 2025).
Where the most of these jobs are
The metro areas with the most people in it (BLS, May 2025).