Computer Network Support Specialists

Computer and Mathematical Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
15-1231.00

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.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    Very high· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.287

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.43

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

26 rated tasks · 21 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (80.8%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupation 15-1152.00 Computer Network Support Specialists, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk

Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %
Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.

15-1152.00

0.113934.3
Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.

15-1152.00

0.096529.0
Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.

15-1152.00

0.045913.8
Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.

15-1152.00

0.02186.5
Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.

15-1152.00

0.01655.0
Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.

15-1152.00

0.01293.9
Back up network data.

15-1152.00

0.00742.2
Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.

15-1152.00

0.00531.6
Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.

15-1152.00

0.00421.3
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.

15-1152.00

0.00331.0
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.

15-1152.00

0.00260.8
Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.

15-1152.00

0.00210.6
Not observed on any surface — 14 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Document network support activities.
—0
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
—0
Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
—0
Install network software, including security or firewall software.
—0
Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
—0
Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
—0
Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
—0
Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
—0
Document help desk requests and resolutions.
—0
Maintain logs of network activity.
—0
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
—0
Run monthly network reports.
—0
Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
—0
Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (26)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.Core
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.Core
Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.Core
Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.Core
Document network support activities.Core
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.Core
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.Core
Install and configure wireless networking equipment.Core
Install network software, including security or firewall software.Core
Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.Core
Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.Core
Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.Core
Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.Core
Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.Core
Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.Core
Back up network data.Core
Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.Core
Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.Core
Document help desk requests and resolutions.Core
Maintain logs of network activity.Core
Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.Core
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.Core
Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.Core
Run monthly network reports.Core
Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.Core
Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.Core

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
153K
Projected employment, 2035
154K
Change (2025–35)
+1.2%
Median annual wage, 2025
$76,220
Typical education needed for entry
Associate's degree
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
22510정보 시스템 운영자This occupation is narrowerconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 3513Computer Network and Systems Technicians

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

Computer network and systems technicians establish, operate and maintain network and other data communications systems.

Tasks

  • (a) operating, maintaining and troubleshooting network systems;
  • (b) operating and maintaining data communications systems other than networks;
  • (c) assisting users with network and data communications problems;
  • (d) identifying areas needing upgraded equipment and software;
  • (e) installing computer hardware, network software, operating system software and applications software;
  • (f) performing start up and close down as well as backup and disaster recovery operations for computer networks.

Example occupations

Computer network technician · Network support technician

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • ICT network administratorESCO 2522.1.1Same scope

    ICT network administrators maintain operation of a reliable, secure, and efficient data communications network, including LAN, WAN, intranet, and internet. They perform network address assignment, management and implementation of routing protocols such as ISIS, OSPF, BGP, routing table configurations and certain implementations of authentication. They perform maintenance and administration of servers (file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems), desktop computers, printers, routers, switches, firewalls, phones, IP communications, personal digital assistants, smartphones, software deployment, security updates and patches as well as a vast array of additional technologies inclusive of both hardware and software.

  • ICT network technicianESCO 3513.2This occupation is broader

    ICT network technicians install, maintain and troubleshoot networks, data communications equipment and network installed devices such as printers and storage area networks. They also analyse and fix network-related problems reported by users.

  • ICT network engineerESCO 2523.3Overlapping, not the same

    ICT network engineers implement, maintain and support computer networks. They also perform network modelling, analysis, and planning. They may also design network and computer security measures. They may research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

  • ICT system administratorESCO 2522.1Overlapping, not the same

    ICT system administrators are responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer and network systems, servers, workstations and peripheral devices. They may acquire, install, or upgrade computer components and software; automate routine tasks; write computer programs; troubleshoot; train and supervise staff; and provide technical support. They ensure optimum system integrity, security, backup and performance.

  • telecommunications engineerESCO 2153.1Overlapping, not the same

    Telecommunications engineers design, build, test and maintain telecommunication systems and networks, including radio and broadcasting equipment. \ They analyse customer needs and requirements, ensure that the equipment meets regulations, and prepare and present reports and proposals on telecommunication-related problems. Telecommunications engineers design and oversee the service delivery in all it's phases, supervising the installation and use of telecommunications equipment and facilities, preparing documentation and providing training for company staff once new equipment has been installed.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
M1816Technicien / Technicienne réseaux informatiques et télécomsOverlapping, not the sameprovisional
I1403Technicien / Technicienne DatacenterRelated, not a match
I1401Technicien / Technicienne de maintenance en informatiqueRelated, not a matchprovisional
M1802Expert / Experte systèmes et réseaux informatiquesRelated, not a matchprovisional
M1876Technicien / Technicienne CloudRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
3813Técnicos en redesThis occupation is narrower
3811Técnicos en operaciones de sistemas informáticosRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
43312Berufe in der IT-Netzwerktechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenThis occupation is broader
43313Berufe in der IT-Netzwerktechnik - komplexe SpezialistentätigkeitenThis occupation is broader
43102Berufe in der Informatik (ohne Spezialisierung) - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenOverlapping, not the sameprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
105システム運用管理者This occupation is narrower
106通信ネットワーク技術者Related, not a match

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Recent Changes Related to This Occupation

Summaries and relation labels are AI Changing Work's own; check any figures against the linked source.

  • Related ADP/Stanford linked postings-payroll study of ~7,000 IT workers (2019-2025) finds "diagnose system or equipment problems" and "monitor operation of computer or information technologies" among the 6 activities associated with lower wages, indicating within-occupation wage compression risk rather than headcount loss. Effect sizes were not published.

    [Source: ADP Research / Stanford Digital Economy Lab, Unbundling Jobs (July 2026)]

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources