Computer Network Support Specialists

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.

The automation risk for the occupation "Computer Network Support Specialists" is estimated at 55.9%, closely aligning with its base risk of 56.7%. This moderate risk level reflects the growing capability of automated systems, particularly AI and advanced software tools, to perform several routine network support tasks. For example, many aspects of network maintenance and monitoring are increasingly automated, reducing the need for constant human oversight. The proliferation of script-based backups and automated network monitoring tools has streamlined many processes that were once manual. As technology continues to evolve, the reliance on human intervention in standard network management functions is decreasing, pushing the automation risk higher for this role. The most automatable tasks for computer network support specialists include backing up network data, configuring security settings or access permissions, and analyzing and reporting network security breaches or attempted breaches. These tasks involve systematic procedures and clearly defined parameters, making them highly suitable for automation. Automated backup systems can reliably secure network data on a schedule, while security configurations are often established through standardized protocols that can be coded into management interfaces. Similarly, security incident response software can detect, log, and generate reports on security breaches with high consistency and accuracy. This capacity for automation in routine network protection and backup activities significantly contributes to the occupation’s overall automation risk. On the other hand, certain tasks remain more resistant to automation. These include running monthly network reports, creating or revising user instructions and procedures, and researching hardware or software products to meet unique networking or security needs. These resistant tasks typically require human judgment, adaptability, and communication skills that present bottlenecks for automation. For instance, researching and proposing tailored solutions often demands a level of creativity and contextual understanding—skills reflected in the occupation’s low originality bottleneck values (2.6% and 3.1%). Likewise, composing user-friendly manuals and adapting technical documentation for a specific audience require nuanced writing abilities that AI cannot yet fully replicate. As a result, while the occupation faces significant automation potential, especially in repetitive technical functions, it remains reliant on human expertise for tasks demanding originality and interpersonal communication.