If you ever doubted whether network engineering is a critical job, consider this: even a few minutes of downtime can cost a larger organization many thousands of dollars in lost productivity and revenue. Whether they’re updating software or installing equipment such as routers and switches, network engineers are absolutely critical to organizations’ health and growth.
Network engineers who want a successful career must master many different technologies and disciplines; they must also possess intense problem-solving and analytical skills. It’s a tough road, but those network engineers who walk it can open up lots of exciting career opportunities. Let’s break down network engineer career paths.
What's a normal career path for a network engineer?
A typical network engineer's career path can vary depending on skill, experience, and interest. Still, there is some commonality with the network engineer's standard career path, no matter what industry niche they may occupy:
Entry-level: Entry-level network engineers typically start as network technicians or help desk engineers. In these roles, they gain experience working with network hardware and software, troubleshooting problems, and supporting users.
Junior network engineer: After gaining some experience, network technicians or help desk engineers are often promoted to junior network engineers. In this role, they take on more responsibility for designing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks.
Senior network engineer: Senior network engineers have a deep understanding of networking concepts and technologies. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex networks. They may also be responsible for mentoring junior network engineers.
Network architect: Network architects are responsible for designing and implementing large-scale networks.
Network manager: Network managers are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of networks. They need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts and technologies and the ability to manage and motivate teams.
There are dozens of possible career paths for network engineers. Some specialize in networking, such as security or cloud computing, while others move into management positions like “network manager” or “IT director.”
How can you know if a network engineering career is right for you?
“When you watch a show on Netflix or Hulu, and you see that typical IT backdrop of blinking lights on a server rack, do you say to yourself, ‘That doesn't look right!’ When you see a router, switch, or modem about to be disposed of, do you bring it home and tinker with it to see if you can get it to work? Does your home lab consume more power than your neighbor's charging Tesla? These might be signs that network engineering is right for you!” Steve Petryschuk, director at Auvik, tells Dice.
“Many network engineers stumble into the field while in positions such as system administrators, developers, or system engineers,” notes Matt Witmer, senior principal engineer at Opengear. “A typical network engineer already has a few years of real-world experience in an IT organization in other roles. A prospective engineer who enjoys a dynamic, fast-paced role requiring constant learning and problem-solving will find network engineering enjoyable.”
Tracy Howard, senior vice president at Experis, tells Dice: “Network engineers design, configure, build and maintain an organization's network. As a result, it should be a person who enjoys building and designing and has a strong drive to complete projects. A network engineer should be able to think through their designs and the skillset to communicate those designs to management and other team members.”
What job titles should network engineers target throughout their careers?
Petryschuk says: “It is rare to jump headfirst into the network engineering field. Most experienced network engineers have spent time growing their skills through a series of help desk analyst roles, followed by time as a junior network administrator working under a more experienced network engineer. Many network engineers choose to go into leadership paths as well. They may go on to become a Manager of Network Engineering or into roles such as Director of IT or CIO after spending time out in the field!”
Howard says: “Entry level may start as simply a Network Engineer, then progress to Sr. Network Engineer, then to Principal Network Engineer.” Depending on the company, the title progression might be something like network engineer I, II, III, IV, lead, and principal engineer.
“However, suppose a Network Engineer wants to continue progressing in their career,” Howard continues. “In that case, they can become the department manager, i.e., Network Manager, which also has its progression, and depending on the company, they can then take on the role of Director—Network or Director of Infrastructure.”
Many of these titles look great on a network engineer resume. When composing your resume, make sure that you show how your performance in each of your roles had a material benefit on the company network’s growth and evolution. Your resume is also a great opportunity to list your relevant skills and establish your brand.
What degree(s) should a network engineer have?
"Typically, any Information Technology degree will help," Witmer adds. "Other degrees include but are not limited to Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mathematics. Network engineering requires a high degree of troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. A degree may not directly teach technical skills or how to troubleshoot network problems. However, it can provide the foundation on which an engineer can problem solve."
Can you get a job as a network engineer without a degree?
"Absolutely you can," Petryschuk adds. "But a degree will make your first foray into network engineering easier. As you head out into the field and refine your skills, a degree will become less important, and what you've done in the field will become far more important. Whether you get a degree or not, find as many opportunities as possible to test your skills out in the field through volunteer or part-time work, co-op placements, and internships.”
Whether you pursue a two- or four-year degree, or decide to boost your network engineering skills via bootcamps and online learning courses, the key thing is to come away from the experience with the skills you need—including logic, design, and troubleshooting skills. The tech side of network engineering is also evolving on a continual basis, so no matter what your educational path, you’ll need to make lifelong learning a key priority.
As you launch your network engineering career, also keep in mind that specializing in a discipline like cybersecurity can help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants, as well as boost your pay potential. Just be prepared for a job interviewer to really dig into your technical skills and experience.
How much do network engineers get paid?
According to Dice’s most recent Tech Salary Report, the average network engineer salary is $99,103, up 6.1 percent year-over-year. For context, the average tech salary now stands at $111,348, up 2.3 percent year-over-year. However, these top-line numbers aren’t the whole story; with the right mix of experience and skills, network engineers can take their compensation comfortably into the six-figure range, especially at larger companies known for paying out high salaries and equity.
