Computer Network Support Specialists

Computer Network Support Specialists score 63 out of 100, which is high exposure to AI. That ranks #76 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 26 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 12 on its own and 9 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 13 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

63/ 100

High

Rank: #76of 923 jobs
US workers: 146,190BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $76,220a year
In real AI use: 13 of 26tasks, April–May 2026

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 12 (46%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 9 (35%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 5 (19%)

Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Document network support activities.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Install network software, including security or firewall software.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
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.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
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.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Maintain logs of network activity.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Document help desk requests and resolutions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Run monthly network reports.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Back up network data.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
Install and configure wireless networking equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

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Questions about computer network support specialists and AI

Will AI replace computer network support specialists?

Probably not entirely, but the job is likely to change a lot. Computer Network Support Specialists score 63 out of 100 (high exposure), #76 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 21 of the job's 26 tasks, 12 of them on its own, while 5 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which computer network support specialists tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals"; "Document network support activities"; "Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment".

Which computer network support specialists tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Back up network data"; "Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment"; "Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 13 of the 26 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as computer network support specialists, and what do they earn?

About 146,190 people in the US, with median pay of $76,220 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.

Computer Network Support Specialists

Task by task

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Questions about computer network support specialists and AI

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