Network Engineer: Skills, Roles & Responsibilities

According to the UK National Careers Service, Network Engineers can expect an average annual salary ranging from £21,000 to £52,000, depending on experience [1]. However, individual salaries will depend on the company and industry you work for, where you’re located, and your job responsibilities. At smaller companies, you may be responsible for both architecture and security. Working in larger companies often means specialising in one area of network engineering, such as architecture, security, or administration. As of December 2023, the average base salary for a network engineer in the US is $100,626 [1]. The amount you earn depends on factors like industry, company, location, and experience.

steps to become a network engineer

But getting yourself into a position like this may not always be the easiest thing to achieve. In this post we will list some ways that may help you get that cool network engineering job and potentially boost your career. Another step you can take on your journey to transitioning into a network engineer is by enrolling on a relevant network engineering course. how to become a windows network engineer You could complete these courses and qualifications by attending university, embarking on an apprenticeship or enrolling on a relevant certification. Additionally, it’s important to know the various types of networking engineering jobs. Of course, you could become a network engineer, but you may also want to consider other roles within this space.

Some popular certifications for network engineers are:

You can be a part of a wide range of organisations and industries like finance, legal, enterprise, education, automotive, and many more. You also embody the perfect blend of network and IT experience, certifications, training, education, and problem-solving capabilities. Once you begin to make waves in network engineering and you’ve landed your first role within this niche, your journey doesn’t stop there. We mentioned this earlier, so we won’t go into much more detail, but apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain some hands-on experience in network engineering. Not only will you build your experience by working on real-life scenarios and projects, but you’ll also earn valuable knowledge and an industry-regarded qualification and get paid at the same time. You can explore more about these roles by reading our guide on the top 5 network engineer jobs to empower your future.

  • To support users offline and online telecommunication activities, network engineers focus on providing a strong network infrastructure.
  • Below is a step-by-step guide for how to become a network engineer.
  • Maintenance planners oversee projects from start to finish, making sure these are executed efficiently and in a timely manner.
  • There is a shortage of qualified professionals and a high demand for network engineers, so the salaries, job opportunities, and job outlook for network engineers are all excellent.
  • To gain relevant experience and build your technical skills, consider starting with an entry-level role in IT.
  • You should also be able to listen to and understand the needs of others and take their opinions into account.
  • He or she uses basic network equipment to develop and implement business solutions.

That leaves network engineers with no choice but to learn automation rather than depending on a team of developers to write them a script. A Senior network engineer set up, maintains, and fixes various network infrastructures. He or she uses basic network equipment to develop and implement business solutions. A senior network engineer also keeps records of and identifies performance problems. A Professional that opts to work as a network engineer often works nine hours per day and forty hours per week.

🚀 A Roadmap to Become a Network Engineer: Step-by-Step Guide

Working in larger companies often means specializing in one area of network engineering, such as architecture, security, or administration. Before applying for Network Engineer job roles, prioritize having rock-solid knowledge about the IT industry. As long as you have an in-depth understanding of the basics, you can face whatever comes next. Check how to become UI/UX Designer including skills, career prospects, average salary a… The skills that are required to become a Network Engineer are problem-solving, technical skills, and attention to detail.

  • Before learning how to become a network engineer, you need to know what a network engineer does.
  • One myth or preconception of becoming a network engineer is that you have to have a college degree.
  • As the backbone of the world wide web, and as the basis of most modern networks, the domain name system (DNS) is vital for any company that uses the Internet to conduct business.
  • To summarise, here are some of the typical responsibilities of a network engineer.
  • A network engineer is responsible for managing a company’s network hardware and software, as well as dealing with network issues.

We have mentioned below both the skills required for how to become a Network Engineer. If you are someone who is interested in computers and their networks then a career as Network Engineer is the most suitable career option for you. If you are willing to opt for a career as Network Engineer then you are required to follow certain steps.

Network Engineer Salary and Job Outlook

All businesses need network engineers; it’s up to you to pick best offers in line with your preferences. Are you interested in a career that involves designing, administering, and optimizing a crucial component of a business? They are responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring a company’s computer network.