How to hire a computer network engineer

How to hire a computer network engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer network engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer network engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer network engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The computer network engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A computer network engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer network engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents computer network engineer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Computer Network Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Network Engineer	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$28-49
   Network Operation Technician	A network operation technician is responsible for providing technical assistance with computer network issues. Network operation technicians repair and troubleshoot networks and routers, identifying the source of defects by listening to the customers and determining step-by-step guidelines for resolution... Show more	$19-47
   Network Support Technician	A network support technician specializes in optimizing a company's information technology (IT) networks for a smooth and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing issues and concerns, troubleshooting, installing systems, executing upgrades, conducting diagnostic tests, and performing corrective measures as needed... Show more	$18-29

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Linux
   • Network Troubleshooting
   • Ethernet
   • Tcp Ip
   • PC
   • Troubleshoot
   • Switches
   • Customer Service
   • Network Infrastructure
   • Routers
   • Technical Support
   • Network Devices
   • TCP/IP
   • Network Performance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage & monitor database servers and perform weekly/monthly data backup schedules and recovery strategies.
   • Set up and configure new hardware including servers, routers, switches, workstations.
   • Integrate, upgrade and maintain existing CISCO routers, switches and other lab equipment.
   • Install and configure OS and application software.
   • Work with Unix and Microsoft software and servers.
   • Configure, troubleshoot, upgrade, and maintain the network hardware/software systems

   More computer network engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer network engineer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A computer network engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a computer network engineer in Michigan may be lower than in Rhode Island, and an entry-level computer network engineer usually earns less than a senior-level computer network engineer. Additionally, a computer network engineer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average computer network engineer salary

   $78,373yearly

   $37.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer network engineer salary

   $59,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average computer network engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Rhode Island	$92,871	$45
   2	California	$86,625	$42
   3	Pennsylvania	$82,475	$40
   4	Georgia	$82,344	$40
   5	Maryland	$79,867	$38
   6	Washington	$79,746	$38
   7	Virginia	$77,522	$37
   8	Colorado	$77,449	$37
   9	New York	$76,485	$37
   10	Wisconsin	$75,352	$36
   11	New Jersey	$74,759	$36
   12	Texas	$74,386	$36
   13	South Carolina	$74,004	$36
   14	Illinois	$72,010	$35
   15	Iowa	$70,148	$34
   16	Florida	$69,660	$33
   17	District of Columbia	$67,636	$33
   18	Arizona	$67,564	$32
   19	Michigan	$64,709	$31

   Average computer network engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Amazon	$108,432	$52.13	441
   2	Exxon Mobil	$106,838	$51.36	6
   3	Holtec International	$92,604	$44.52	2
   4	General Electric	$91,584	$44.03	39
   5	Patton Electronics Co.	$85,053	$40.89
   6	Boeing	$80,454	$38.68	92
   7	Vision Technologies	$80,143	$38.53	1
   8	Motifworks	$79,705	$38.32
   9	Northrop Grumman	$79,064	$38.01	121
   10	enGenius Consulting	$78,054	$37.53
   11	U.S. Secret Service	$77,858	$37.43
   12	ORBIS	$77,303	$37.16	9
   13	Swift Denim Services Inc	$77,127	$37.08	26
   14	Orbis Sibro	$77,115	$37.07	4
   15	LogicWireless	$77,115	$37.07
   16	*n/a*	$77,084	$37.06
   17	Clare Controls	$76,780	$36.91
   18	Wabash Center	$76,461	$36.76
   19	Planate Management Group	$76,132	$36.60
   20	Enthsquare	$76,057	$36.57	2

4. Writing a computer network engineer job description

   A job description for a computer network engineer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a computer network engineer job description:

   Computer network engineer job description example

   External Applicant Instructions
   Please upload your resume/CV for automatic population of information to your Kean application.Your contact information, work experience and education will be automatically filled in. Please review all fields - you will need to verify that the data is accurate.In the “My Experience” section, you will find a resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and any other supporting documents you may wish to submit.
   
   Office of Computer and Information Services
   Network Engineer
   
   Under the supervision of the Director, the Network Engineer (Professional Services Specialist 1, Computer Services) is part of a team that is primarily responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and supporting the university's wired/wireless and wide area networks that support data, video and voice services, while ensuring adherence to IT standards and operations. The Network Engineer participates in after-hours and on-call support when required. Occasional travel may also be required. This is not a remote position.
   
   Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of experience in one or a combination of the following: data processing, installation and maintenance of application programs, technical support and/or design and preparation of programs; network administration; and network security. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience on a year-for-year basis. A Master's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. A Ph.D or an Ed. D. degree may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. Essential job functions include the ability to lift, handle and transport materials and equipment up to 75lbs. Preferred qualifications include: Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science or a related field; knowledge of network security devices such as firewalls and IPS (ideally WatchGuard and McAfee); and knowledge of IEEE 802.1aq Shortest Path Bridging in an Extreme Networks environment.
   
   The selected candidate will be required to pass a four (4) month Working Test Period.
   
   Attention current Kean University employees (including part-time Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Academic Specialists and Adjuncts): Please apply via the internal career site to ensure consideration as an internal candidate. To apply internally, please log into your Workday account and select the Career icon on your homepage to view available positions.
   
   Additional Information
   
   As a condition of employment, external candidates are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date. If you are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons, you may submit a request for an exemption. If you are approved for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, you will be required to be tested for COVID-19 by the University on a regular schedule. All employees are expected to follow the University's current health and safety protocols for COVID-19 and any procedures/protocols created through additional correspondence.
   
   Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.
   
   In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures.
   
   Diversity & Non-Discrimination Statement
   
   Kean University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. Kean's commitment to access and equity is designed to prepare each graduate to not only thrive, but climb higher in a diverse world. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution we work to support a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the diversity and equity of all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and beyond.
   
   EEO/AA Statement
   
   Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right computer network engineer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with computer network engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit computer network engineers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer network engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit computer network engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with computer network engineer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a computer network engineer applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer network engineer

   Once you've selected the best computer network engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new computer network engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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