In some cases, a network engineer may also focus heavily on network design and mapping, but many organizations hire a network architect to focus on that phase of network development. 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 how to become a windows network engineer before landing a job as a network engineer. 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.

Just as no Death Star is complete without a planet-destroying superlaser, no organization can thoroughly decimate its foes without a finely tuned network. 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.

Network Engineer

Compare network engineer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average. Network engineers often have several years of experience working with IT systems. To gain relevant experience and build your technical skills, consider starting with an entry-level role in IT.

• A network engineer and a network architect both specialize in optimizing efficiency by establishing and maintaining high-performing networks.
• A network engineer is an information technology (IT) professional whose focus is to build and maintain an organization’s computing network.
• However, specific salaries vary based on location, industry, seniority, company, job title, and other factors.
• For example, with annual mean wages above $112,000, the top-paying industries are computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing, specialized design services, and personal care services.
• The average network support engineer salary in California, West Virginia, and South Dakota are the highest in the U.S.

Zippia reports the average entry-level network engineer salary is $62,000 per year, whereas an average senior network engineer salary starts around $85,000 [5, 7]. As you advance in your career, you may expect to receive an increase in salary. The average network support engineer salary in California, West Virginia, and South Dakota are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average network support engineer salary states are Iowa, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Many network engineers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, computer science, IT, or another related technical field.

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While these averages are good numbers to reference, your actual network engineer salary may vary depending on a range of factors. Some of these factors include your location, education, experience https://remotemode.net/ level, and other factors can play a role in your total compensation. To get a better understanding of how they can impact your potential earnings, let’s take a closer look at each.

The median annual wage for network engineers (also known as network and computer systems administrators) was $84,810 in 2020. That is higher than the average mid-tier annual salary in the United States of around $45-65,000. Entry-level network engineers must be familiar with network types, topologies, and models. They should be well-versed in how protocols and standards enable network activity and know how to set up and configure wireless and wired network devices. You can gain these fundamental IT skills with IBM’s online course, Introduction to Networking and Storage. At smaller companies, you may be responsible for both architecture and security.

What Is a Network Engineer?

According to Lightcast™, the average salary for network and computer systems administrators, which includes network engineers, is $96,300 [1]. According to several job posting sites, the average network engineer base salary in the US ranges from $75,724 to $96,300. With a bachelor’s degree in hand, future networking professionals generally start with an entry-level position as a network technician.

• You know if you are being paid fairly as a Network Support Engineer if your pay is close to the average pay for the state you live in.
• Network support engineer salaries at Meta and Blackboard are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates.
• Then, check out how PDQ helps you manage everything from remote workers using your VPN to network inventory.
• With more leadership experience (and potentially a nice, shiny master’s degree), network engineers might also pursue management roles in the IT field.
• Businesses rely on network engineers to maintain the computer networks that allow users to share resources and work efficiently.

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. Being a network engineer puts you on the front line of the organization’s computers and networking systems.