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 highGroup-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
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.287
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, 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
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.43
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-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
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
Show 5 hidden tasks26 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
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
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.O*NET Task ID 18990 | 1.0 |
Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.O*NET Task ID 18991 | 1.0 |
Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.O*NET Task ID 18992 | 1.0 |
Document network support activities.O*NET Task ID 18993 | 1.0 |
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.O*NET Task ID 18994 | 1.0 |
Install network software, including security or firewall software.O*NET Task ID 18997 | 1.0 |
Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.O*NET Task ID 18998 | 1.0 |
Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.O*NET Task ID 19001 | 1.0 |
Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.O*NET Task ID 19005 | 1.0 |
Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.O*NET Task ID 19006 | 1.0 |
Document help desk requests and resolutions.O*NET Task ID 19007 | 1.0 |
Maintain logs of network activity.O*NET Task ID 19008 | 1.0 |
Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.O*NET Task ID 18989 | 0.5 |
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.O*NET Task ID 18995 | 0.5 |
Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.O*NET Task ID 19002 | 0.5 |
Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.O*NET Task ID 19003 | 0.5 |
Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.O*NET Task ID 19009 | 0.5 |
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.O*NET Task ID 19010 | 0.5 |
Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.O*NET Task ID 19011 | 0.5 |
Run monthly network reports.O*NET Task ID 19012 | 0.5 |
Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.O*NET Task ID 19014 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, 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 |
0.12/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Install and configure wireless networking equipment. | E0 none |
| Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment. | E0 none |
| Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
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
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 code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22510 | 정보 시스템 운영자 | This occupation is narrower | confirmed |
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)
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 code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| M1816 | Technicien / Technicienne réseaux informatiques et télécoms | Overlapping, not the sameprovisional |
| I1403 | Technicien / Technicienne Datacenter | Related, not a match |
| I1401 | Technicien / Technicienne de maintenance en informatique | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| M1802 | Expert / Experte systèmes et réseaux informatiques | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| M1876 | Technicien / Technicienne Cloud | Related, 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 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3813 | Técnicos en redes | This occupation is narrower |
| 3811 | Técnicos en operaciones de sistemas informáticos | Related, 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 code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 43312 | Berufe in der IT-Netzwerktechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 43313 | Berufe in der IT-Netzwerktechnik - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 43102 | Berufe in der Informatik (ohne Spezialisierung) - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Overlapping, 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 code | JSCO 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