Computer Network Technicians
(NOC 2281)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyComputer network technicians establish, operate, maintain, and coordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software, and related computer equipment. They work for information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Supervisors of computer network technicians are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Computer Network Technicians most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 77% of Computer Network Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $59,947. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$17.00
Minimum$30.77
Median$42.56
MaximumAnnual Pay
$17,264
Minimum$54,197
Median$86,952
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$37.80
Median$48.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Computer network technicians establish, operate, maintain, and coordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software, and related computer equipment. They work for information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Supervisors of computer network technicians are included in this group.
Job duties
Computer network technicians:
- Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks, computer workstations, connections to the Internet and peripheral equipment.
- Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software, operating system software and software applications.
- Use master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to coordinate access and use of computer networks.
- Provide problem-solving services to network users.
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade Web-server hardware and software.
- Implement network traffic and security monitoring software and improve server performance.
- Complete routine network start up and close down and maintain control records.
- Complete data backups and disaster recovery operations.
- Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls.
- Control and monitor e-mail use, Web navigation, and installed software.
- Perform shell scripting or other basic scripting tasks.
- May supervise other workers in this group.
Sample job titles
- computer network technician
- data centre operator
- local area network (LAN) administrator
- local area network (LAN) technician
- network administrator
- network support analyst
- system administrator
- web site administrator
- web technician
- wide area network (WAN) technician
Skills
Computer and network operators and web technicians need an ability to work methodically and pay close attention to detail. They also require motor coordination and finger and manual dexterity to repair and install networking and web server equipment. You will also need an interest in learning to keep your skills current, the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems, and the communication skills required to work with computer users and other staff.
Job requirements
- A college or other program in computer science, network administration, Web technology or a related field is usually required.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Other considerations
Progression to computer programming, interactive media development, Web development or systems analysis is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Information and cultural industries
Public administration
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$61,172 median annual incomeBachelor
$61,087 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,828 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$48,716 median annual incomeMaster
$46,927 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Computer and information systems security
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. These programs include courses in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system design; applicable laws and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting.
Institutions providing this program
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
Computer programming/programmer - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the general writing and implementation of generic and customized programs to drive operating systems and that generally prepares individuals to apply the methods and procedures of software design and programming to software installation and maintenance. These programs include courses in software design, low- and high-level languages and program writing; program customization and linking; prototype testing; troubleshooting; and related aspects of operating systems and networks.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
50 Elliott Road
Middleton, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Computer systems networking and telecommunications
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and productivity, and that prepares individuals to function as network specialists and managers at various levels. These programs include courses in operating systems and applications; systems design and analysis; networking theory and solutions; types of networks; network management and control; network and flow optimization; security; configuring; and troubleshooting.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Computer/information technology administration and management - Other
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.
Institutions providing this program
Information technology
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. These programs include courses in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
System administration/administrator
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to manage the computer operations and control the system configurations emanating from a specific site or network hub. These programs include courses in computer hardware and software and applications; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) networking; principles of information systems security; disk space and traffic load monitoring; data backup; resource allocation; and setup and takedown procedures.
Institutions providing this program
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
50 Elliott Road
Middleton, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
System, networking and LAN/WAN management/manager
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to oversee and regulate the computer system and performance requirements of an entire organization or network of satellite users. These programs include courses in performance balancing; redundancy; local area (LAN) and wide area (WAN) network management; system migration and upgrading; outage control; problem diagnosis and troubleshooting; and system maintenance budgeting and management.
Institutions providing this program
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
Web page, digital/multimedia and information resources design
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply HTML, XML, Javascript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. These programs include courses in Internet theory; web page standards and policies; elements of web page design; user interfaces; vector tools; special effects; interactive and multimedia components; search engines; navigation; morphing; e-commerce tools; and emerging web technologies.
Institutions providing this program
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
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