Network Engineer Career Guide

What Does a Network Engineer Do?

Computer network architects (network engineers) design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to virtual capabilities such as cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers.

Network engineers create plans and layouts for data communication networks, present designs to management and staff, deploy planned networks with thorough testing, and maintain comprehensive documentation. They upgrade hardware (routers, adapters) and software (network drivers) as needed, and research new technologies to optimize network performance.

After deployment, network engineers analyze data traffic and system performance to determine future upgrades and troubleshoot issues that arise. Most work full time in office settings, with some working more than 40 hours per week. They spend most of their time in offices but occasionally work in server rooms for hands-on hardware access.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Bachelor's degree in computer and information technology, engineering, or related field
• Work Experience: 5 years or more in a related occupation (typically as network/systems administrator)
• Certifications: Vendor-specific (Cisco, Microsoft, etc.) or vendor-neutral certifications often required or preferred by employers
• Key Skills: Analytical thinking, detail orientation, interpersonal communication, leadership, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities
• Experience: Most roles require several years of experience as network and computer systems administrators, database administrators, or computer systems analysts

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $130,390 ($62.69 per hour)
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,520
• Experienced (90th percentile): $198,030
• Top-Paying Industries:
  • Management of companies and enterprises: $137,770
  • Computer systems design and related services: $131,040
  • Temporary help services: $130,670
  • Telecommunications: $108,400
  • Educational services: $105,810

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 21,400 new jobs over the decade.

About 11,200 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.

Growth Drivers: Demand is projected to grow as firms continue to design and build new information technology (IT) networks and upgrade existing ones. Companies looking to leverage technological investments, such as artificial intelligence (AI), will need these workers to upgrade their IT infrastructure. Additionally, continued expansion of cloud computing will increase demand for network architects to ensure networks are properly designed and transitions proceed smoothly.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology, engineering, or a related field. Degree programs provide hands-on experience in network security, database design, and other critical areas that prepare you to work with diverse networking technologies.
2. Entry-Level Roles: Start as a network and computer systems administrator, database administrator, or computer systems analyst. Most network architects need several years of IT experience before advancing to architect roles.
3. Build Skills: Develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Gain hands-on experience with network design, implementation, and troubleshooting. Pursue vendor-specific certifications (Cisco CCNA/CCNP, Microsoft, etc.) to validate your expertise.
4. Network: Join professional IT associations, attend technology conferences, and engage with network engineering communities on LinkedIn and specialized forums. Stay current with emerging technologies like cloud computing and AI infrastructure.
5. Apply Strategically: Target employers in computer systems design, telecommunications, management firms, and temporary help services. Highlight your technical certifications, hands-on project experience, and ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Career Path & Advancement

Typical Career Progression:

• Network/Systems Administrator: Entry point with 0-5 years experience, managing and maintaining existing networks
• Network Engineer/Architect: Mid-level role with 5+ years experience, designing and implementing new network infrastructure
• Senior Network Architect: Advanced role leading major network projects and mentoring junior staff
• Computer and Information Systems Manager: Management track, overseeing IT departments and strategic technology initiatives (median salary: $171,200)
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Executive leadership role setting organization-wide technology strategy

Specializations: Cloud architecture, network security, wireless networks, data center design, or telecommunications

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in Network Engineer, you might also consider:

• Network and Computer Systems Administrator (median $96,800) - Install, configure, and maintain networks and systems
• Information Security Analyst (median $124,910) - Protect networks and systems from cyber threats
• Database Administrator (median $123,100) - Create and organize data storage systems
• Software Developer (median $131,450) - Design and develop software applications
• Computer Systems Analyst (median $103,790) - Study and design efficient computer systems
• Computer and Information Systems Manager (median $171,200) - Plan and direct IT-related activities
• Computer Hardware Engineer (median $155,020) - Research and design computer systems and components