How to hire a computer networker

How to hire a computer networker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer networker 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 networker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer networker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a computer networker, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a computer networker to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a computer networker that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of computer networker salaries for various roles:

   Type of Computer Networker	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Networker	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.	$24-47
   Information Technology Administrator	An Information Technology (IT) administrator is a professional responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed... Show more	$24-50
   Technical Support Engineer	A technical support engineer is responsible for responding to customer issues, providing immediate resolutions to their system issues through remote assistance. Technical support engineers must have strong knowledge of software and hardware applications to diagnose system defects and process troubleshooting... Show more	$29-57

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Switches
   • DNS
   • TCP/IP
   • Encryption
   • Firewall
   • Windows Server
   • Disa
   • Computer System
   • Network Hardware
   • Red Hat
   • Unix
   • Network Support
   • Network Equipment
   • Java

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Design, install, configure and manage Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop environment.
   • Install and configure switches, routers, and servers in racks and provide physical connections to the LAN's on-site.
   • Support and maintain VoIP phones.
   • Gain familiarity with TCP/IP, network protocols and Linux operating system.
   • Configure TCP/IP addressing on client PCs; as well as DHCP server.
   • Deploy, sustain, troubleshoot and repair standard voice, data and video network infrastructure.

   More computer networker duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer networker job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A computer networker 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 networker in Tennessee may be lower than in Connecticut, and an entry-level computer networker usually earns less than a senior-level computer networker. Additionally, a computer networker 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 networker salary

   $71,766yearly

   $34.50 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer networker salary

   $51,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

   Average computer networker salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$87,879	$42
   2	Illinois	$79,276	$38
   3	Virginia	$78,246	$38
   4	New Jersey	$74,176	$36
   5	New York	$72,766	$35
   6	Michigan	$70,244	$34
   7	Ohio	$68,935	$33
   8	Washington	$68,399	$33
   9	Georgia	$67,611	$33
   10	South Carolina	$65,777	$32
   11	Arizona	$64,654	$31
   12	Colorado	$63,018	$30
   13	Tennessee	$56,934	$27
   14	Hawaii	$55,693	$27
   15	Florida	$53,725	$26

   Average computer networker salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Amazon	$115,886	$55.71	112
   2	Yahoo	$100,728	$48.43
   3	Point72	$98,368	$47.29	1
   4	Rivian	$88,939	$42.76	2
   5	Systems Technology Group	$80,311	$38.61
   6	Populus Group	$76,559	$36.81
   7	Superlative Technologies	$75,568	$36.33
   8	Planned Systems International	$75,507	$36.30
   9	Tci Technology Consulting Inc	$73,310	$35.25
   10	Microland Electronics	$72,011	$34.62
   11	Northwestern University	$70,328	$33.81	1
   12	Larsen & Toubro Infotech Limited Inc	$70,023	$33.66
   13	MedPro Healthcare Staffing	$68,361	$32.87
   14	Comcast	$67,606	$32.50
   15	Vectrus	$65,107	$31.30
   16	King	$55,624	$26.74
   17	My Florida Regional Mls	$53,724	$25.83
   18	Florida Department of Transportation	$43,874	$21.09

4. Writing a computer networker job description

   A good computer networker job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a computer networker job description:

   Computer networker job description example

   MOSAIC is seeking a Computer Network Defense (CND) to support a contract in the San Antonio, TX area.
   
   Using your experience and expertise in computer network defense analysis, you will monitor the system and utilize security technologies to identify anomalies, unauthorized users, malicious activity, vulnerabilities, and policy violations. In addition, you will:
   Continuously monitor the system by performing log management functions Configure, monitor, and analyze data, logs, alerts, and signatures Implement detection methods Utilize available resources such as all-source analysis to develop and/or modify existing detection techniques to reflect current and emerging cyber threats Participate in Incident Response and post-mortem analysis activities Be responsible for triage and escalation during an incident response upon recognition of an event Maintain knowledge of applicable cyber defense policies, regulations, and compliance documents Other duties as assigned
   Minimum Requirements:
   Directly related professional and/or military experience Experience with analytical tools developed for intelligence, threat analysis, and SIGINT metadata analysis Experience using the Plan, Brief, Execute, and Debrief (PBED) methodology Knowledge of *nix and Windows to perform log analysis and logging configuration Knowledge of TCP/IP networking/the 7 Layer Open Systems Interconnection model Experience using packet capture tools such as Wireshark Proficient in Splunk Search Processing Language (SPL) and Regular Expressions (Regex) Experience using detection systems such as OSSEC, Snort, Suricata, and Zeek IAT Level II Certification CompTIA Network+ Certification Active TS/SCI clearance is required
   
   Full-Time e mployees have a choice of 3 different medical plans, 1 medical supplement plan, 2 different dental plans and vision coverage. All plans are ala carte, so you can choose what fits for you and your family.
   Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) Matching Program 11 Paid Holidays Paid Time off (PTO) Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability paid for by MOSAIC Term Life Insurance Training and Career Development Reimbursement Opportunities Referral Incentive Program
   At MOSAIC Technologies Group each team member is a key player. MOSAIC provides consulting and technical services to Government and commercial clients in the areas of management, mission and technology. We know the value of our talent, and we work to provide challenging opportunities for each member that will cultivate careers as well as develop people. Our familial environment, competitive salary and benefits are a few of the ways that we take care of our people. If you believe in supporting your community, growing your career and working with committed colleagues then join us. MOSAIC wants you in the family.
   
   MOSAIC is an EEO/Affirmative action employer and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find computer networkers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any computer networkers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level computer networkers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer networker job on Zippia to find and attract quality computer networker candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit computer networkers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a computer networker 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 networker

   Once you've selected the best computer networker 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.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new computer networker. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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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