Network Support Professional

Discover the daily duties, required skills, and salary potential of working in ICT network support. Learn about industry growth and educational requirements, along with the best fields for employment opportunity.

Overview

ICT professionals working in network support offer technical assistance on computer network-related issues. Their main duties involve keeping a business’ network systems safe and efficient; addressing any evident bugs, viruses, or software crashes, and resolving such incidents.

Analysis, testing, and troubleshooting of networks can include (but are not limited to) local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), internet systems, or segments of a network system. They may also be responsible for the backup and recovery of network data, configuring network security settings (and access permissions), and integrating new hardware or software to existing network systems.

Computer network professionals can expect very strong industry growth in the coming years, with an expected increase of 31,600 workers in 2018 to 35,200 by 2023.

Key Skills

  • A thorough knowledge of computer hardware (such as processors, circuit boards, routers, and modems) and software (such as firewalls, file management, and server application software)

  • Excellent customer service and communication skills

  • Ability to swiftly respond and analyse, evaluate, and solve problems as they come

  • Knowledgeable in ICT compliance standards and evaluating whether one’s systems adhere to or fall below existing regulations

  • Ability to keep updated on the latest ICT trends, practices, and developments, and apply this new knowledge to their current job duties

  • Ability to train employees on the use of network-related software and system procedures

Quick Facts

Computer network professionals make up a large occupation, with weekly earnings higher than the all-jobs average ($2,021 per week vs. $1,460, respectively). Salary progression is high, with ranges increasing as experience grow. Most work full-time, with job opportunities found across Australia.

Salary Range

$52,000 - $125,000 (Median: $78,000)*

Average Weekly Hours

42 hours (vs. all jobs average of 44 hours)*

Main Industries

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Information Media and Telecommunications, and Education and Training.

Most Common Qualification Level

37.8% hold a Bachelor’s Degree

STUDY PATHWAYS

Getting the skills you need is simple by studying one of our information technology courses below.

*Sources: payscale.com.au and joboutlook.gov.au – All information is to be used as a guide only, and are accurate at the time of publication.