What does a network support technician do?
A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed. They must also coordinate with staff in developing new IT systems, evaluate existing networks for areas needing improvement, and develop protocols while adhering to the company's policies and regulations. Furthermore, as a network support technician, it is essential to maintain regular network maintenance checks to ensure the security and safety of company data.
Network support technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network support technician resumes:
- Assist in managing Nortel CS1000 phone system.
- Manage a technician scheduling system base on Linux.
- Manage SQL database moves, updates, backups, for end users ,.
- Manage circuit provisioning, customer contact, order tracking, IP allocation and task management databases.
- Manage all VoIP technology and phone configuration.
- Manage security solutions, including firewall, anti-virus, and intrusion detection systems.
- Use of deployment services and direct installation media to install functioning Linux OS on the tested and repair PCs.
- Analyze and troubleshoot routers and switches to restore customers normal business operations.
- Set up IP routing such as static and dynamic routing (BGP).
- Assemble and run many CAT6 cables to bring wire internet to the entire office.
- Provide troubleshooting and configuration for TCP/IP protocols, assigning and set up dynamic or static IP addressing via DHCP or DNS.
- Create, run, and test CAT5e cabling.
- Install, maintain and troubleshoot Novell network.
- Install operating system for Linux and window server.
- Maintain and troubleshot VMware ESX server relate issues.
Network support technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Network Support Technicians are proficient in Troubleshoot, Technical Support, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Support Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Troubleshoot, 9%
Analyzed and documented business system requirements in order to diagnose and troubleshoot product/customer technical issues.
- Technical Support, 6%
Performed installation, troubleshooting and technical support functions for a global venture capital and business acceleration firm.
- Customer Service, 6%
Ensured billing accuracy of provider offices through effective one-on-one communication, strong customer service, and process improvements.
- Network Support, 6%
Network Support Help Desk Virus Removal Customer PC Maintenance Network connectivity troubleshooting Software Installation.
- Switches, 5%
Performed some Cisco switches installation, configuration and connectivity testing.
- Desk Support, 4%
Provided PC help desk support for 2500+ end users at schools throughout Council Rock, a state-of-the-art school district.
Most network support technicians use their skills in "troubleshoot," "technical support," and "customer service" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential network support technician responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a network support technician to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what network support technicians do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a network support technician resume shows how network support technicians use analytical skills: "provide support for pcs, printers, fax machines, copiers/scanners, data network equipment, servers and other infrastructure systems. "
Communication skills. Many network support technician duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a network support technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways network support technician responsibilities rely on communication skills: "act as communication liaison between technical and customer support engineers to provide vsat changes. "
Multitasking skills. network support technicians are also known for multitasking skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to network support technician responsibilities, because "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." A network support technician resume example shows how multitasking skills is used in the workplace: "required extensive database use and multitasking while providing excellent customer service. "
Problem-solving skills. network support technician responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This resume example shows what network support technicians do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "provided first-level technical problem resolution and customer support. "
The three companies that hire the most network support technicians are:
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Compare different network support technicians
Network support technician vs. Administrative technical support
Administrative technical support maintains every technical set-up used in a company. Their primary responsibility is to inspect a company's systems, evaluate for issues, and repair any problems immediately. Administrative technical support is typically on call at the start of the day and, when they are not responding to calls, they conduct regular check-ups on all company systems. They are also responsible for creating technical reports and offering recommendations for improvements.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, network support technician responsibilities require skills like "network support," "provides technical support," "switches," and "os." Meanwhile a typical administrative technical support has skills in areas such as "phone calls," "data entry," "sharepoint," and "email accounts." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that administrative technical supports earn slightly differ from network support technicians. In particular, administrative technical supports are 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a network support technician. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network support technician vs. Technical support engineer
A technical support engineer is responsible for responding to customer issues, providing immediate resolutions to their system issues through remote assistance. Technical support engineers must have strong knowledge of software and hardware applications to diagnose system defects and process troubleshooting. They also assist customers with the installation of programs and updates to improve system performance, escalating high-level concerns to appropriate internal technology teams. A technical support engineer must have strong command with technical systems, as well as excellent communication and time-management skills to understand clients' issues while documenting procedures.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that network support technician responsibilities requires skills like "network support," "desk support," "network printers," and "pcs." But a technical support engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "java," "customer issues," "database," and "customer satisfaction."
Technical support engineers earn a higher average salary than network support technicians. But technical support engineers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $82,316. Additionally, network support technicians earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $48,633 annually.In general, technical support engineers achieve similar levels of education than network support technicians. They're 4.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for network support technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Ming Chow
Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University
References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity
Network support technician vs. Systems support
A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables. They also assist the technology team in designing backup systems and improve existing networks according to business requirements and specifications. They write resolution reports for reference to prevent the reoccurrence of system malfunction and inconsistencies.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, network support technicians are more likely to have skills like "desk support," "routers," "pcs," and "network equipment." But a systems support is more likely to have skills like "pc," "desktop support," "end user support," and "system support."
Systems supports earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $72,760. Comparatively, network support technicians have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $48,633.Most systems supports achieve a similar degree level compared to network support technicians. For example, they're 3.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network support technician vs. Technician support tier
A technician support tier focuses on providing technical support to clients or employees within a company. Typically working in a team setting, a technician support tier addresses technical problems and troubleshoots to identify the root of the issues and perform necessary corrective measures or repairs. Their responsibilities also revolve around responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, conducting regular maintenance of systems and networks, maintaining records of all transactions, and supporting software and networks. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all team members while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Types of network support technician
Updated January 8, 2025
