IT Support Specialist
Help people solve computer, account and network problems: the classic way into IT.
- $61,860
- 3–6 months
Technology career
Network Technician
Also called: Network Support Specialist · Network Support Technician · NOC Technician · IT Network Technician
What network technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a network technician do?
Computer network support specialists maintain and troubleshoot local and wide area networks, internet connections and network hardware, helping users and administrators keep systems connected. The median pay is $76,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow +1.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$76,220$36.64/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.2%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year9,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6 months–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs152,500Employment, 2025
What network technicians do
Network technicians keep organizations connected. They install and configure switches, routers, firewalls and wireless access points, monitor network performance, troubleshoot outages, run and test cabling and support users with connectivity problems. Some work in network operations centers watching networks around the clock.
Many network technicians have an associate degree or certificate plus certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA. It’s a common next step from help desk roles and a path to network administrator and engineer jobs.
Typical duties
- Install and configure network equipment
- Monitor network performance and alerts
- Troubleshoot connectivity problems
- Install and test network cabling
- Maintain network documentation
- Apply firmware updates
- Escalate complex issues to engineers
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in offices, data centers, wiring closets and network operations centers. Some lift equipment and work in ceilings and server rooms.
Schedule: Most work full-time; NOC roles include nights and weekends, and maintenance often happens after hours.
A day in the life
- Review network monitoring alerts and the ticket queue.
- Troubleshoot a user who can’t connect to Wi-Fi.
- Replace a failed switch in a wiring closet.
- Terminate and test new network cables for an office expansion.
See a full day in the life of a network technician →
Network Technician salary
Half of network technicians earned more than $76,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $47,120 for the lowest 10% to $127,780 for the top 10%.
Full network technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a network technician
- Learn IT basics
- Study networking
- Earn Network+ or CCNA
- Get a network technician role
- Advance
An associate degree in networking or IT is typical, though many technicians enter with certifications and help desk experience.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a network technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- TCP/IP networking
- Switch and router configuration
- Wireless networking
- Cabling and testing
- Network monitoring
People skills
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Patience
- Teamwork
All network technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Associate degree or certification entry
- Hands-on and technical
- Clear path to network engineering
- Needed in every industry
Cons
- After-hours maintenance
- Pressure during outages
- Some physical work in closets and ceilings
- Constant need to learn
Certifications and licenses
- CompTIA Network+: Vendor-neutral networking certification.
- Cisco CCNA: Widely recognized networking certification.
- CompTIA A+: Entry-level IT certification.
- BICSI Installer: Cabling installation credentials.
Career path
- Help Desk Technician: Support users and learn IT.
- Network Technician: Install and troubleshoot networks.
- Network Administrator: Manage network systems.
- Network Engineer or Architect: Design networks.
Learn the job before day one
Our Network Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as troubleshoot a user who can’t connect and terminate and test a network cable, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Network Technician vs. IT Support Specialist · Network Technician vs. Network Administrator · Network Technician vs. Telecom Technician · Network Technician vs. Cybersecurity Analyst
Network Technician FAQ
Do network technicians need a degree?
An associate degree is common, but certifications and experience also work.
Which certification first?
CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA.
Is network support a good career?
Yes. It leads to network administration and engineering.
How much does a network technician make?
The median annual wage for network technicians was $76,220 ($36.64 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,120 and the highest 10% earned more than $127,780.
How long does it take to become a network technician?
Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. An associate degree in networking or IT is typical, though many technicians enter with certifications and help desk experience.
Do you need a degree to be a network technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More network technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 15-1231 (Computer network support specialists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Computer network support specialists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.