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AI exposure Computer and mathematical

Will AI replace computer network support specialists?

Computer Network Support Specialists. US occupation 15-1231.

28.7%

of the time computer network support specialists spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of computer network support specialists' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 74 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 90% of them.Further along than 90% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

One of the most exposed jobs in the country.Front of the queue for an AI assistant.

What AI already does for computer network support specialistsWhat computer network support specialists no longer do alone

O*NET lists 26 tasks for computer network support specialists. AI use at work shows up in 7 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

  1. Document help desk requests and resolutions.Core task mostly automated 1.00
  2. Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.Core task mostly automated 0.97
  3. Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.Core task mostly automated 0.97
  4. Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.Core task mostly automated 0.93
  5. Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.Core task mostly automated 0.90
  6. Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.Core task automated and assisted 0.79
  7. Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.Core task automated and assisted 0.76

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

19 of the 26 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Back up network data.Core task
  • Configure and define parameters for installation or testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, routers, switches, controllers, multiplexers, or related networking equipment.Core task
  • Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.Core task
  • Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.Core task
  • Document network support activities.Core task
  • Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes.Core task
Show the other 13
  • Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.Core task
  • Install and configure wireless networking equipment.Core task
  • Install network software, including security or firewall software.Core task
  • Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.Core task
  • Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.Core task
  • Maintain logs of network activity.Core task
  • Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.Core task
  • Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.Core task
  • Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.Core task
  • Run monthly network reports.Core task
  • Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.Core task
  • Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.Core task
  • Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.Core task

How that compares

Among the 21 computer and mathematical occupations, computer network support specialists rank 16. The group averages 37.9%, and its most exposed job is Computer Programmers at 74.5%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just above in the ranking

  1. 71Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 29.1%
  2. 72Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 29.0%
  3. 73Software Developers 28.8%

Just below

  1. 75Telemarketers 28.5%
  2. 76Real Estate Sales Agents 28.3%
  3. 77Correspondence Clerks 27.9%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.