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Occupation Profile
COMPUTER NETWORK SUPPORT SPECIALISTS: COLORADO
Occupation Description
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a
segment of a network system. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. Excludes "Network and Computer
Systems Administrators" and "Computer Network Architects".
State and National Wages
The wage occupation Computer support specialist aggregates data for these 2 occupations:
Computer Network Support Specialists ----- Computer User Support Specialists .
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High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.
Location
Pay
Period
2011
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
United States
Colorado
Hourly
$13.93
$17.78
$22.91
$30.06
$39.03
Yearly
$29,000
$37,000
$47,700
$62,500
$81,200
Hourly
$15.80
$20.09
$26.46
$33.64
$41.78
Yearly
$32,900
$41,800
$55,000
$70,000
$86,900
Occupation Wages FAQs
Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas
National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: Colorado Labor Market Information
State and National Trends
National Employment Trends are for Computer Support Specialists, which includes Computer Network Support Specialists ; Computer User Support Specialists .
United States
Computer Support Specialists
Colorado
Employment
2010
2020
Percent
Change
607,100
717,100
+18%
26,950
Job Openings 1
—
Employment
2008
2018
Percent
Change
—
—
—
Job Openings 1
1
Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.
Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2008-
2018, while the projections period for national data is 2010-2020.
Occupation Trends FAQs
Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation
National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
There is no information about knowledge, skills and abilities. This may occur because data has not been collected or because this is a composite occupation (e.g.,
"All Other").
Tasks and Activities
Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Computer Network Support Specialists.
Occupation Specific Tasks:
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Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
Back up network data.
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.
Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
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Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
Document help desk requests and resolutions.
Document network support activities.
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.
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
Install network software, including security or firewall software.
Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
Maintain logs of network activity.
Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
Run monthly network reports.
Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
Generalized Work Activities: No information about "Generalized Work Activities" for this occupation is available.
Detailed Work Activities:
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adjust computer operation system
check hardware or software to determine reliability
communicate technical information
configure computers in industrial or manufacturing setting
consult with customers concerning needs
establish and maintain relationships with team members
evaluate computer system user requests or requirements
follow data security procedures
follow data storage procedures
implement computer system changes
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maintain client-server database
maintain or repair computers or related equipment
monitor computer operation
monitor use of computer data files to safeguard information
operate computer networks
perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment
prepare instruction manuals
prepare technical reports or related documentation
program computers using existing software
program mainframe computer
provide technical computer training
provide technical support to computer users
recommend purchase or repair of furnishings or equipment
recommend software or hardware purchases
resolve symbolic formulations in data processing applications
select business applications for computers
test computer programs or systems
test data communications hardware or software
train workers in use of computer and related equipment
train workers in use of equipment
understand computer equipment operating manuals
use computer application flow charts
use computer networking technology
use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
use knowledge of mainframe computers
use project management techniques
use spreadsheet software
use word processing or desktop publishing software
work as a team member
write computer software, programs, or code
Source: Occupational Information Network: Computer Network Support Specialists.
Tools and Technology
Computer Network Support Specialists View Detailed Report
Tools:
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Access servers - Remote access servers
Circuit tester - Continuity testers, Test lights
Computer servers - Caching engines, Network address translation NAT appliances
Facsimile machines - Fax machines
Network analyzers - Cisco Systems Cisco Application Visibility and Management AVM Traffic Collector, Fabric analyzers, Fibre channel protocol
analyzers, Port analyzer adapters, Throughput testers
Technology:
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Administration software - Cisco Systems CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution, Cisco Systems CiscoWorks LAN Management Solution
LMS, ifconfig, ipconfig
Backup or archival software - EMC NetWorker, NovaStor NovaBACKUP, Roxio Retrospect, Symantec Veritas NetBackup, Tape backup system
software
Network monitoring software - Arping, B&W Port Scanner, BitWizard B.V. mtr, Cisco Systems Cisco NetFlow Collection Engine, Cisco Systems Cisco
Traffic Analyzer
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software - IBM Security Network Intrusion Prevention System, Intrusion prevention
software, NIKSUN NetDetector, Network intrusion detection software, Network security software
Operating system software - Apple Macintosh OS, BMC Software Control-M software, Bash, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Hewlett Packard HP-UX
Source: Occupational Information Network: Computer Network Support Specialists.
Education and Training
Occupation: Computer Network Support Specialists
Typical education needed for entry: Some college, no degree
Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: None
Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Related Instructional Programs:
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Computer Programming/Programmer, General
Computer Science
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
Network and System Administration/Administrator
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager
Distribution of Educational Attainment
Percent of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational
attainment is
Occupation
Computer Support Specialists
Less than High school
high school diploma or
diploma
equivalent
Some
college, no
degree
Associate's
degree
Bachelor's
degree
Master's
degree
Doctoral or
professional
degree
1%
12.1%
29.4%
15.8%
33.5%
7.4%
0.8%
Computer Occupations
0.5%
6.1%
17.9%
10.7%
44.6%
18%
2.2%
Computer and Mathematical
0.4%
4.4%
13.3%
8.2%
41.8%
22.7%
9.1%
Total, All Occupations
10.4%
27.4%
20.9%
8.9%
19.5%
8.2%
4.7%
Find colleges, training schools and instructional programs for this occupation.
Find education and training programs where you can earn a certificate, diploma, or award in less than 2 years with the Short-Term Training Finder.
Access additional Education Resources in the Career Resource Library.
Use the Financial Aid Advisor to help find funds for financing education.
WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDLE-EmployTrain/CDLE/1248095317783
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National
Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)
Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements
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Broadcast Technicians
Computer Programmers
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer User Support Specialists
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
Radio Operators
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Web Resources
The following resources are related to occupations in the job family
Computer and Mathematical
Computer Occupations
Mathematical Science Occupations
Computer Occupations
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Computer and Information Research Scientists, Occupational Outlook Handbook
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Computer Programmers, California Occupational Guide
Computer Programmers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers, Job Futures
Computer Support Specialists, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Computer Support Specialists, CareerZone
Computer systems analysts, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Computer Systems Analysts, California Occupational Guide
Computer Systems Analysts, CareerZone
Database Administrators, CareerZone
Database Administrators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Information Systems Analysts and Consultants, Job Futures
Information Technology, WetFeet.com
Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Network and Computer Systems Administrators, California Occupational Guide
Programming, WetFeet.com
Software Developer, Princeton Review
Software Developers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Web Design, WetFeet.com
Web Developers, California Occupational Guide
Webmaster, Princeton Review
Website Designer, Princeton Review
Mathematical Science Occupations
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Actuaries, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Actuaries, California Occupational Guide
Actuary, Princeton Review
Be An Actuary, Casualty Actuarial Society and Society of Actuaries
Mathematical technicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Mathematician, Princeton Review
Mathematicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Mathematicians, California Occupational Guide
Operations Research/Management Scientist, Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
Statistician, Princeton Review
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Statisticians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Statisticians, California Occupational Guide