LAN Technician: Salary and Career Facts

Research what it takes to become a LAN technician. Learn about education and certification requirements, job duties, and salary information to find out if this is the career for you.

What is a LAN technician?

LAN (local area network) technicians work with and test computer network systems. These technicians may organize, install and troubleshoot local area networks in settings such as schools, offices, or homes. These professionals may work with an organization or individual to determine their needs when it comes to LAN, install the network, and then maintain and update it as needed. Maintaining and updating a network may include gathering data to discover how the network could work more efficiently. LAN technicians may add a user to the network, train individuals on how to best use computers or the network, and work to solve problems relating to a local area network.

The following chart gives you an overview about entering this field.

Degree Required	Associate's degree preferred, often required
Certification	Voluntary but helpful, such as Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
Job Duties	Install and test LANs, work with Wi-FI Ethernet systems or twisted pair cabling, troubleshoot LANs, update LANs with new technology
Job Outlook (2020-2030)	5% (all network and computer systems administrators)*
Median Salary (202)	$48,589 (for all computer/network support technicians)**

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com

What Will I Do as a LAN Technician?

As a LAN technician, you'd be responsible for installing and testing local area networks (LANs). Local area networks are any type of computer networks that connect systems in a limited geographical space. For example, if you work as a LAN technician, you might be responsible for setting up and maintaining networks in homes, computer offices or schools. You might also go by the broader title of network engineer or network architect.

As a LAN technician, you'd be responsible for setting up networks that don't use regular telecommunications lines and that have higher rates of data transfer. You might work with Wi-Fi, Ethernet systems or twisted pair cabling. You may also be called upon to troubleshoot LANs that aren't working correctly and for updating LANs with new technology.

What Education Might I Need?

You might want to earn at least an associate's degree in computer science or a similar field, if you're interested in obtaining a position as a LAN technician. One such degree that might apply to the field is an Associate of Science in Network Technology. While enrolled in such a program, you'll be expected to learn the basics of computer networking and system installation while also learning concepts of project management and information security.

You might also complete a certificate or diploma program designed specifically for aspiring LAN technicians. Such a vocational program will provide you with the exact skills needed to perform troubleshooting and maintenance on local area networks. You'll study the basic concepts of routing, wireless networks, data communications, operating systems software and network infrastructure.

Can I Earn Certification?

You can earn voluntary certification as a networking technician through individual vendors of computer support services. For example, Cisco offers the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) designation for technicians who have learned how to install and troubleshoot Cisco networks. To earn the certification, you must complete one examination on interconnecting Cisco networking devices. From there, you can go on to become a certified network associate specializing in wireless systems.

What Salary Can I Expect to Make?

In January 2022, PayScale.com reported that most computer/network support technicians earned between $35,000 - $68,000 per year in total pay.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

A computer network architect is a related career to a LAN technician. These professionals design and create LAN networks, along with other types of networks like WAN (wide area network) or intranet. Computer network architects typically have a bachelor's degree. A computer systems analyst examines and studies the networks and computer usage of an organization, and determines how to solve problems and help an organization to operate more efficiently with its networks and systems. This position also requires gathering data and troubleshooting, and requires a bachelor's degree. A computer support specialist requires an associate's or a bachelor's degree, and the position includes helping IT users as issues come up with their internet or computer usage.