Description
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.
Interests
- Conventional
- Investigative
- Realistic
Work Values
- Achievement
- Support
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Cooperation
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
Tasks
- 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.
- Document network support activities.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Technology Skills
- Operating system software
- Presentation software
- Network monitoring software
- Transaction security and virus protection software
- Network security or virtual private network VPN management software
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Implementing Desktop Application EnvironmentsCertifying Organization
Microsoft Corporation
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
CCAA for Citrix XenApp 5 for Windows Server 2008Certifying Organization
Citrix Systems Incorporated
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Brocade Certified Service Provider Network EngineerCertifying Organization
Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Check Point Multi-Domain Security ManagementCertifying Organization
Check Point Software Technologies, Inc.
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Certified Network Systems TechnicianCertifying Organization
ETA International
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $50,629 |
| Median (50%) | $63,768 |
| High (90%) | $93,538 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $62,429 |
| Mid Level | $74,987 |
| Senior Level | $88,217 |
| Expert Level | $128,045 |
Employability
There are currently 166,700 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 178,800 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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