How long does it take to become a computer network support specialist?

Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do computer network support specialists make?

The US median is $76,220 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a computer network support specialist?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a computer network support specialist?

1,800 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a computer network support specialist

Computers & IT · SOC 15-1231

$76,220US median pay, 2025

+1.2%Projected growth, 2025–35

9,000Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Associate's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a computer network support specialist

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Computer Science	CIP 11.0701	951
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance	CIP 11.1003	765
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications	CIP 11.0901	464
Computer Programming/Programmer, General	CIP 11.0201	379
Computer Support Specialist	CIP 11.1006	229
Network and System Administration/Administrator	CIP 11.1001	205
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst	CIP 11.0501	89
System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager	CIP 11.1002	84
Cloud Computing	CIP 11.0902	35

See the 1,800 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a computer network support specialist?: Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do computer network support specialists make?: The US median is $76,220 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a computer network support specialist?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a computer network support specialist?: 1,800 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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