Computer Network Support Specialists: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

LAN/WAN Support Specialists

LAN/WAN Support Specialists 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.

Salary
$71040
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Computer Network Support Specialists 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.

  • 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.
Read more about what does a Computer Network Support Specialist really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$68050 per year

Average hourly wage
$33 per hour


LAN/WAN Support Specialists with little to no experience tend to make between $38270 and $48160 while the more experienced ones can earn over $82290 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DC $43 $88,700
NJ $41 $84,890
MA $40 $84,230
WA $39 $81,270
CT $38 $79,880

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Computer Network Support Specialist is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for LAN/WAN Support Specialists are DC, NJ, MA, WA and CT.

However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Computer Network Support Specialist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Bachelor’s degree

We asked other LAN/WAN Support Specialists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by an Associate’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Computer Programming/Programmer, General
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
Computer Science
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Network and System Administration/Administrator
Read more about how to become a Computer Network Support Specialist and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Computer Network Support Specialist.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
Very good salary
Normal working hours (40 hours per week)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
66%

Is this job meaningful
45%


66% of LAN/WAN Support Specialists said they were satisfied with their job and 45% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Entrepreneurs

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.



Learn more about LAN/WAN Support Specialists

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

LAN/WAN Support Specialists job description, LAN/WAN Support Specialists salary, LAN/WAN Support Specialists information, what is the job of a Computer Network Support Specialist like, pros and cons about Computer Network Support Specialists, colleges and universities for Computer Network Support Specialists, is Computer Network Support Specialists the right career for me, careers in Computer IT and Mathematics

Similar careers

Certified Novell Administrator (CNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Computer Network Specialist, Computer Network Support Specialist, Computer Networker, Configuration Technician, Implementation Consultant, Internet Information Technology Specialist, Internet Network Specialist, Internet Security Specialist

Additional resources