Becoming a network engineer is an exciting career path that offers many opportunities in today’s technology-driven world. As a network engineer, you’ll be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the network that support an organization’s voice, data, video, and wireless communications. Whether you are interested in working with large corporations, tech companies, or even managing networks for small businesses, the demand for skilled network engineers is rising. Whether you are just starting out or looking to make a career transition, this roadmap will help you become a successful network engineer.

What is a Network Engineer?

A network engineer is a tech professional responsible for designing, implementing, and managing computer networks that support an organization’s voice, data, video, and wireless communications.

While the terms network engineer and network administrator are sometimes used interchangeably, they differ in their roles. A network engineer focuses more on the planning, design, and technical aspects of a network, ensuring that it is set up to meet the organization’s needs. On the other hand, a network administrator is more involved in the day-to-day management, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the network to keep it running smoothly. In short, engineers build and design the network while administrators maintain and manage it.

Salary of Network Engineer

The salary of a network engineers vary depending on factors, such as location, experience, etc. For someone just starting out in the field with 0-2 years of experience, the salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year. For those with 5-10 years of experience, the salary can range from $90,000 to $120,000 for a year, depending on expertise and responsibilities.

What Does a Network Engineer Do?

A network engineer builds and maintains the network infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity and support users’ daily IT activities, both online and on-site. They design and implement network configurations, troubleshoot performance issues, monitor network performance, and configure security systems like firewalls to protect the network.

Network engineers often collaborate with business leaders, including the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), to align network strategies with overall company goals, provide status updates, and establish network policies. Additionally, they manage network capacity and provide on-site or remote support to ensure smooth and efficient network operations.

Network Engineer Skills

To become a skilled network engineer, you need to develop various technical and soft skills mentioned below.

1. Networking Fundamentals – Understanding IP addressing, subnetting, routing and switching, and the OSI model is essential for any network engineer.
2. Network Security – Knowledge of implementing firewalls, VPNs, encryption methods, and security protocols is crucial for protecting data and networks.
3. Routing and Switching – Mastering routing protocols like RIP, OSPF, and BGP, as well as switching techniques such as VLANs and EtherChannel, is key to managing network traffic effectively.
4. Network Troubleshooting – Being able to diagnose and resolve network issues using tools like ping, traceroute, and Wireshark is a vital skill for any network engineer.
5. Automation and Scripting – Learning scripting languages like Python or Bash helps you automate network tasks and manage configurations efficiently.
6. Cloud Networking – Understanding cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure is increasingly important as more businesses move to cloud environments.
7. Wireless Networking – Knowledge of Wi-Fi standards, wireless security, and conducting site surveys is important for managing wireless networks.
8. Virtualization and SDN (Software-Defined Networking) – Mastering network virtualization and SDN concepts helps you design and manage scalable, efficient networks.
9. Collaborative Tools – Being familiar with ticketing systems and collaboration tools like Slack, Teams, and JIRA enhances teamwork and communication across departments.
10. Soft Skills – Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are essential for successfully managing and supporting network operations.

How to Become a Network Engineer

Becoming a network engineer is a rewarding career path that requires a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and a love for solving problems. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a network engineer.

Earn a Degree

For most network engineer jobs, you will be required to have a bachelor’s degree in any one of the fields, such as IT, computer science, or engineering. There are some schools that specifically offer a degree in network engineering.

If you don’t have a degree in computer science, IT, or other related field, you can still pursue a career in network engineering by taking specialized courses on the e-learning platform. Look for programs that focus on network engineering, computer science, electronic engineering, network security, or software engineering. Additionally, foundational courses in mathematics, electrical engineering, and physics will help you develop the analytical and quantitative skills necessary for tasks you’ll encounter on the job.

In many cases, a master’s degree isn’t necessary, and an undergraduate degree in a related field can be sufficient to start a career in network engineering. However, for leadership roles in certain companies, candidates with an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Information Systems may be preferred, as it provides a blend of technical expertise and business management skills needed to oversee teams and projects effectively.

Get Certifications

Certifications are essential for becoming a successful network engineer. While a degree provides a solid foundation, external certifications increase your skills and expertise, making you more attractive to employers. You can earn networking certifications from reputable vendors like Cisco, Juniper, etc.

• If you’re just starting out, CompTIA Network+ is a great entry-level certification. It covers essential networking concepts such as IP addressing, network protocols, and troubleshooting.
• Cisco Certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE), one of the most respected names in the networking industry, offers certifications that are highly valued by employers.
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a great beginning point for beginners, focusing on basic networking and security skills.
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is an advanced certification diving deeper into routing, switching, and network troubleshooting.
  • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is the highest level and is considered one of the most prestigious certifications in networking.
• Juniper Certifications: JNCIA, JNCIS, JNCIP, JNCIEJuniper Networks is another leading provider of networking hardware and software. They offer certifications at various levels.
  • JNCIA (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate) is an entry-level certification that focuses on the basics of networking.
  • JNCIS (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist) covers more advanced topics.
  • JNCIP (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional) is a higher-level certification for those with more experience.
  • JNCIE (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert) is an expert-level certification, ideal for network professionals looking to specialize in Juniper products and solutions.
• CompTIA Certifications CompTIA offers several specialized certifications in networking.
  • Core Certifications: Like the Network+ certification, covering foundational networking skills.
  • Infrastructure Certifications: These focus on network infrastructure and support.
  • Cybersecurity Certifications: Given the increasing importance of network security, certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) will help you focus on network protection.
  • Additional Professional Certifications: CompTIA also offers certifications in various other areas, such as cloud computing and IT management, to help you round out your networking expertise.
• Wireshark WCNA Certification focuses on network troubleshooting, optimization, and security. The certification teaches you how to use Wireshark, a popular network protocol analyzer, to capture and analyze network traffic.
• SolarWinds Certified Professional Certification is offered by SolarWinds, a leading network management software provider; this certification is focused on network and system management products.
• Specialize in Cybersecurity and Cloud Networking – As networks become more complex and security threats grow, knowledge of cybersecurity is crucial. Earning certificates like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can position you as an expert in network security. With the rise of cloud computing technology, network engineers need to be skilled in managing networks in the cloud. Certifications such as Certified Cloud Network Engineer or those from cloud providers like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate will help you stay relevant in today’s evolving tech landscape.

By earning the right certifications, you can gain specialized knowledge and show employers that you have the practical expertise needed to design, manage, and secure networks. Whether you focus on Cisco, Juniper, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, or network analysis, these certifications will help you stand out in the competition.

As a network engineer, having coding skills can greatly enhance your effectiveness on the job. Learning programming languages such as Python, Perl, Bash, and Golang will not only make you a more competitive candidate but also allow you to automate tasks, troubleshoot more efficiently, and manage network configurations with greater ease.

Get Hands-on Experience

While certifications validate your theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience is just as crucial. Build your own lab, whether physical or virtual, using tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3. Practicing real-world scenarios will enhance your troubleshooting skills and improve your confidence.

Companies typically look for candidates with 5 to 10 years of experience in network engineering. So, right after earning your degree, it’s smart to pursue entry-level positions like network technician, systems administrator, network administrator, or computer network analyst. These roles provide valuable hands-on experience, helping you build the technical skills needed to work with real-world networks and prepare for more advanced network engineering positions.

You can also consider doing internships as a great way to gain practical experience in the field of network engineering. Internships allow you to apply the skills you’ve learned to real-world situations while working alongside experienced professionals. Not only will this help you build a stronger technical foundation, but it will also give you exposure to new tools, technologies, and networking environments. Plus, internships can help you network with industry professionals and even lead to full-time job offers down the line.

Build a Successful Career as a Network Engineer

Within the networking field, network engineers have the opportunity to explore various career paths. For example, network analysts focus on the installation and maintenance of networks while bridging the technical and business aspects of an organization. Network managers, on the other hand, oversee similar responsibilities but also play a leadership role, guiding and training network technicians.

Pursuing a career in network engineering is a rewarding choice, especially given the growth of computer-related occupations. Becoming a network engineer requires a solid mix of IT and network experience, relevant education, certifications, and a strong problem-solving mindset, all of which will set you on the path to success in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions