How to hire a computer network specialist

How to hire a computer network specialist, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer network specialist hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer network specialist job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer network specialist
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your computer network specialist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a computer network specialist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A computer network specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer network specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of computer network specialists and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Computer Network Specialist	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Network Specialist	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$20-40
   Network Internship	In a network internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a manager or supervisor. They typically perform support and beginner tasks, such as processing and organizing documentation, liaising with potential clients through calls and correspondence, greeting visitors, answering inquiries, and running errands... Show more	$12-19
   Network Engineer	A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs... Show more	$29-53

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Computer System
   • Customer Service
   • Computer Network
   • Technical Support
   • Switches
   • Troubleshoot
   • Network Printers
   • Routers
   • Network Systems
   • Network Troubleshooting
   • Workstations
   • Desktop Support
   • OS
   • Network Security

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead the Linux desktop team in both training and deployment as well as end user support.
   • Lead effort to develop and maintain client's database by customizing existing computer information systems to support operating objectives.
   • Engineer network projects including cable, socket and patch panel terminations including configuration of network routers, and switches and firewalls.
   • Implement hardware, software and network solutions, wire, wireless, and remote access, routers, switches, cabling.
   • Install and document 80 Cat5 Ethernet drops.
   • Load image on new PCs and other electronic devices.

   More computer network specialist duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer network specialist job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A computer network specialist salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a computer network specialist in Kansas may be lower than in West Virginia, and an entry-level computer network specialist usually earns less than a senior-level computer network specialist. Additionally, a computer network specialist with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average computer network specialist salary

   $60,733yearly

   $29.20 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer network specialist salary

   $43,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

   Average computer network specialist salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$73,140	$35
   2	Ohio	$70,503	$34
   3	New Jersey	$68,908	$33
   4	Hawaii	$66,466	$32
   5	New York	$64,332	$31
   6	Oregon	$64,304	$31
   7	Connecticut	$64,213	$31
   8	Virginia	$62,520	$30
   9	Maryland	$61,112	$29
   10	Texas	$60,569	$29
   11	Florida	$60,072	$29
   12	District of Columbia	$57,134	$27
   13	Missouri	$55,494	$27
   14	Alabama	$55,097	$26
   15	North Carolina	$51,564	$25

   Average computer network specialist salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Softential	$77,713	$37.36
   2	Scan-Optics	$76,588	$36.82
   3	CACI International	$71,196	$34.23	283
   4	Piedmont International University	$65,122	$31.31
   5	American Nurses Association	$64,627	$31.07
   6	enGenius Consulting	$64,041	$30.79
   7	Larsen & Toubro Infotech Limited Inc	$61,194	$29.42
   8	The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i	$59,885	$28.79
   9	Information & Display Systems LLC	$54,196	$26.06
   10	Rexel Holdings USA	$48,833	$23.48	12
   11	Maryland Transportation Authority	$46,393	$22.30

4. Writing a computer network specialist job description

   A good computer network specialist job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a computer network specialist job description:

   Computer network specialist job description example

   JST is seeking a Computer Network Specialist to join our technical team within a government environment. The Senior Computer Network Specialist will provide network administration and technical support. Support includes address and machine/domain name management, interfacing/coordinating with external agencies on WAN (and other long-haul communications links) issues and troubleshooting problems. Operate, administer, and maintain networks at the unclassified, secret and top secret-SCI classification levels and provide after-hours, non-duty hours and on-call support.
   
   This is a full-time position located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. JST offers a full benefit package, a collaborative work environment and strong company culture. Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply.
   Computer Network Specialist Responsibilities Install fiber, patch panels and server racks Install and configure switches, routers and firewalls Maintain trouble ticket system as well as track and report customer survey result Disconnect, move and connect equipment to networks; demonstrate expertise to install, configure, and maintain these systems as well as analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve software, hardware, and network anomalies Operate and maintain computer facilities, to include all current IT system hardware and software as well as new hardware and software specified by the Government and added to customer networks Develop and review communication system requirements, compare potential needs with existing infrastructure, identify shortfalls and excesses, integrate communication systems to achieve interoperability and establish continuity procedures and a reference library of pertinent policies, procedures, documents and architectures to properly plan for future communication systems Maintain and update Trusted Facility Manuals, system descriptions, security policies, user guides, system architectures, and security-related documentation; support the Government in highlighting when changes to current packages are required IAW ICD 503, and DJSIG. Ensure all packages are submitted and coordinated with the accrediting authority for approval and monitor the current status of all accreditation packages Comply with certification/education/training requirements as mandated in DoD 8570.01 M (i.e., commercial/industry certifications)
   
   Computer Network Specialist Qualifications AA or Bachelor's in Engineering, Science, Business, IT or relevant field OR equivalent related professional experience IAT Level II certification (Security+ CE, CCNA, CySA+, etc) required Top Secret Clearance required 3+ years of experience designing, maintaining, monitoring and repairing computer networks Experience installing switches, routers and firewalls Experience designing and building LANs, WANs and Intranets Extensive knowledge of network connectivity, technologies, protocols and security Strong planning, organization, and analytical skills, with attention to detail Excellent verbal and written communication skills Strong time management
   
   Physical Demands Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer Frequently moves standard office equipment up to 25 pounds Must be able to work indoor conditions 90% of the time Occasional travel may be required Must be available for on-call support as needed
   
   Required Clearances and Screenings Must possess an active Top-Secret Clearance COVID 19 requirements are in line with government policies and CDC guidance
   
   About Joint Strategic Technologies (JST) No objective is beyond reach! Joint Strategic Technologies (JST) enables successful mission outcomes from the back office to the battlefield. Our team includes leading experts from military, government, and the private sector, all working together to help federal customers make a difference. Our goal is to Elevate the Impact that our employees have on our customers and treat every employee as a valued member of our team. JST empowers employees to make decisions and take action, thus improving overall organizational growth and employee development. Culture isn't something you talk about. It's something you do. JST is committed to creating a positive environment 'that reaches beyond work and careers' to support every employee's professional and personal objectives. JST values the well-being of every employee and encourages healthy lifestyles, family activities and community involvement. JST is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. JST will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right computer network specialist for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer network specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit computer network specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with computer network specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   If your interviews with computer network specialist applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer network specialist

   Once you've selected the best computer network specialist candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new computer network specialist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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