Network engineers make an average salary of $80,427 per year. However, specific salaries vary based on location, industry, seniority, company, job title, and other factors.
Businesses rely on network engineers to maintain the computer networks that allow users to share resources and work efficiently. Networks are critical to modern businesses. Just as no Death Star is complete without a planet-destroying superlaser, no organization can thoroughly decimate its foes without a finely tuned network.
For IT professionals interested in configuring, implementing, and maintaining systems, network engineer jobs can be as fulfilling as they are lucrative. We’ll break down the must-know information you should consider before pursuing a career as a network engineer.
What does a network engineer do?
A network engineer maintains computer network infrastructure so that users can consistently access the necessary resources and information to perform their jobs. Think of the network engineer as the IT equivalent of a chiropractor, assessing the functioning of a complex network system and then making adjustments as necessary (but hopefully without disconcerting cracking noises).
The responsibilities of a network engineer vary, so no two network engineers have identical day-to-day routines. However, the job description often includes the following tasks:
Designing a network infrastructure
Configuring wireless networks, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs)
Installing relevant equipment
Routers
Proxy servers
Switches
WAN accelerators
Load balancers
Maintaining the network for maximum efficiency
Scheduling and performing updates and upgrades
Monitoring performance and troubleshooting problems
Implementing network data security systems
Performing backups
Updating antivirus software
Optimizing operations with the help of outside vendors
Example of a typical network engineer job description
Job descriptions vary between companies, but a basic network engineer position listing may look like this:
Job Title: Network Engineer Job Summary: The network engineer is responsible for designing, configuring, implementing, maintaining, and monitoring the company's network infrastructure. Responsibilities: • Design and implement network infrastructure according to business requirements. • Configure network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs. • Monitor network performance. • Maintain network security in compliance with industry standards. • Troubleshoot network issues. • Document troubleshooting and maintenance procedures. • Develop and follow backup procedures. • Maintain disaster recovery plans. • Develop and hit relevant KPIs. • Collaborate with IT team and third-party vendors. • Stay up to date with industry trends and technology. Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related field • 3–5 years of experience in network engineering • In-depth knowledge of network protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP, and routing protocols, including EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP • Experience working with network hardware and software • Knowledge of network security best practices • Familiarity with common compliance standards • Analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment • Relevant certifications, such as CCIE or CCNP, are a plus Salary range: $65,000–$125,000 per year depending on skills and experience level. |
What does the typical network engineer career path look like?
Most network engineers start by gaining foundational knowledge in a bachelor’s degree program. Common majors include network operations, computer system management, information systems, information technology, computer engineering, computer science, data science, electrical engineering, and even physics.
With a bachelor’s degree in hand, future networking professionals generally start with an entry-level position as a network technician. As their skill progresses, they may advance to a junior network engineer role. From there, professionals can pursue several directions within the network engineering field.
The role of a network engineer significantly overlaps with several other roles, so transitioning between them may help you better cater your career to your interests. Related job titles include the following:
Network technician
Network analyst
Wireless network engineer
Network security engineer
Network administrator
Network manager
Network operations engineer
Software engineer
Cloud engineer
With more leadership experience (and potentially a nice, shiny master’s degree), network engineers might also pursue management roles in the IT field. These may include IT director or management information systems director.
Network engineer salary by seniority
The average network engineer’s salary in the United States is $80,427. That said, specific salaries vary based on multiple factors, including seniority and job title.
Payscale reports the following average salaries by seniority:
Entry-level network engineer: $64,154 per year
Mid-level network engineer: $82,594 per year
Senior network engineer: $97,763 per year
A network engineer salary range can also vary between specific roles within the network engineering field. ZipRecruiter reports the following job titles as the highest average earners:
Director, network engineering: $199,347
Cisco network architect: $160,083
Data center network engineer: $155,697
The average income of network engineers also varies regionally. The cities with the highest salary include the following:
Richmond, California: $136,444
Bellevue, Washington: $135,986
Kirkland, Washington: $134,892
Maricopa, California: $132,174
What's the difference between a network engineer and a network architect?
A network engineer and a network architect both specialize in optimizing efficiency by establishing and maintaining high-performing networks. However, their approaches differ significantly. A network architect makes the plans, whereas a network engineer oversees the execution. If you think of a network architect as being similar to a building architect, then the role of a network engineer parallels that of a general contractor at the construction site.
How do you become a network engineer?
Select a specialty
Before diving headfirst into the exciting world of network engineering, take a minute to think about what you actually want to do in the field. Network engineering encompasses many specialties, so choosing your area of interest helps you take a more targeted approach to developing your skills.
According to Field Engineer, network engineer specialties include the following:
Security
Server administration
WAN monitoring
Network operation center (NOC) checking
Work area organization
Cabling and equipment installation (switches and enterprise routers)
The network engineering field is broad. Even if you choose to start your career with a more general focus, you might pinpoint your preferred specialty as you work in the field.
Get an education
While earning a degree isn’t always essential to securing a job in network engineering, it puts you at a distinct advantage. Most prospective network engineers earn a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field, like network operations, information systems, or computer engineering.
Want to skip college? Network engineers can also teach themselves or pursue other training to learn the trade. However, you’ll likely need significant on-the-job technical experience before landing a job as a network engineer.
Should you wish to progress toward a management position, you might benefit from earning an MBA while working in IT.
Get experience
Whether or not you possess a bachelor’s degree, experience is crucial. Entry-level professionals often start as network technicians before becoming network engineers. If you struggle to find jobs in the area, don’t lose hope! Volunteering or internship experience may also help show you have the necessary skills.
Earn certifications
Holy credentials, Batman! Virtually all IT careers call for relevant certifications, but network engineers may benefit from an intimidatingly long list of qualifications:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
Microsoft Certificated Professional Certifications:
Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
Keep in mind that most employers won’t expect you to have all of these certifications. You might pick and choose based on your specialty. However, be prepared to earn more as your career advances.
Build your skills
Network engineers need robust sets of both hard and soft skills. Here are just a few of the essentials:
Hard skills
Infrastructure design
Network design
Networking
Programming
Troubleshooting DNS issues
Deployment and maintenance of firewalls
Soft skills
Project management
Problem-solving
Wait — are you still actually reading? Then it seems like you might have the passion it takes to be a formidable network engineer. Sign up for a free trial of PDQ to add “blazing fast patch management” to your resume. Then, check out how PDQ helps you manage everything from remote workers using your VPN to network inventory. Now get out there and make us proud! Maybe you’ll even consider a position at PDQ and share a whiskey with us someday.
