How To Become A Data Network Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a data network specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

The average data network specialist salary is $81,950. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an business major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a data network specialist. Data network specialists with a CompTIA Network+ certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a data network specialist?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay

*The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*

*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*

* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*

*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*

*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*

*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*

ScoreData Network SpecialistUS Average

Salary

6.4

Avg. Salary $81,950

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 9.35%

Black or African American 8.91%

Hispanic or Latino 12.60%

Unknown 5.09%

White 63.73%

Gender

female 18.20%

male 81.80%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a data network specialist

Explore data network specialist education requirements

Most common data network specialist degrees

Bachelor's

41.6 %

Associate

25.6 %

High School Diploma

21.5 %

Start to develop specific data network specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Switches	9.26%
Timely Maintenance	6.88%
Business Rules	6.00%
Network Management	5.69%
Data Network Systems	5.28%

Complete relevant data network specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New data network specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a data network specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real data network specialist resumes.

Gain additional data network specialist certifications

Data network specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific data network specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for data network specialists include CompTIA Network+ and CCNA.

More About Certifications

Research data network specialist duties and responsibilities

Design, develop, and manage SharePoint sites on both classify and unclassify networks.
Maintain and manage a tactical network during military and combat operations, both in garrison and deploy.
Design, configure and run VMWare Vcenter servers to manage multiple ESXi host servers and optimize server resources.
Manage TCP/IP network, install and configure network peripherals, run DHCP clients and servers, and maintain WNS and DNS.

Apply for data network specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a data network specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams