Will AI replace Computer Network Support Specialists?
AI reaches a large part of this job’s work.
53/100
High exposure
More exposed to AI than 84% of US workers.
- AI already used in
- 25% of the work
- As AI tools mature: up to
- 85% of the work
What the job involves
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.
Where AI reaches the work
The job’s main tasks, heaviest first, by how far AI reaches them.
Already happening(7)
- Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
- Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
- Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
- Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
- Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
and 2 more
Within reach(15)
- Back up network data.
- Document network support activities.
- Install network software, including security or firewall software.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
- 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.
and 10 more
Out of reach(4)
- Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
- Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
- Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
- Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
Also called
Network Specialist · Network Technician · Network Support Specialist · Cloud Engineer · Configuration Technician · IT Tech (Information Technology Technician) · IT Tech · Network Analyst
Related jobs
What these numbers mean
The score is the share of this job’s work, weighted by how important and frequent each task is, that AI could do in half the time: tasks an AI model could do alone count in full, tasks that need software built on AI count half.
“AI already used” is the share of the work in tasks where people are recorded using AI today. “As AI tools mature” counts every task AI could halve, with or without extra software.
The percentile compares the score with every job’s, weighted by how many people in the US do each one. Exposure means AI could change how the work is done, not that the job goes away. These are estimates for the typical job, not predictions.
Sources
- O*NET 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
- GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs (task labels), Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin & Rock (2023), OpenAI and University of Pennsylvania
- Anthropic Economic Index: labor market impacts (task penetration), Anthropic
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national and metropolitan areas), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics