How To Become A Junior Networking Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a junior networking engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

A Junior networking engineer is an IT professional who works under a senior networking engineer and is responsible for managing the computer network and IT infrastructure of an organization. They install, maintain and test network servers, operating system software, hubs, routers, switches, and cables, and work with senior network engineers to develop and implement security protocols in order to protect an organization's data. Junior networking engineers also respond to emergency computer and network requests, maintain work records, network documentation, and perform network updates, upgrades, and configurations. They also perform diagnostics and tests, and also schedule regular network maintenance checks, and prepare network status reports for the senior staff and upper management.

Most junior networking engineers are entry-level professionals and have a bachelor's or a certificate in computer science, computer networking, or a related field. However, an advanced degree may not be needed if the individual has comparable knowledge and skills. A junior networking engineer should possess excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills and know how computer networks function.

If you have a knack for working with computers, software, and networks, a job as a junior networking engineer could be a great start to a rewarding career. You can make up to $66,000 a year in the US, and the job market is expected to grow 5% by 2028.

What general advice would you give to a junior networking engineer?

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.*

ScoreJunior Networking EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,480

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.68%

Black or African American 7.86%

Hispanic or Latino 11.58%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.57%

Gender

female 12.67%

male 87.33%

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 junior networking engineer

Explore junior networking engineer education requirements

Most common junior networking engineer degrees

Bachelor's

67.6 %

Associate

15.9 %

Master's

9.6 %

Start to develop specific junior networking engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Switches	8.30%
Troubleshoot	6.01%
Lan	5.39%
OSPF	4.14%
Network Infrastructure	3.63%

Complete relevant junior networking engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New junior networking engineers 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 junior networking engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real junior networking engineer resumes.

Gain additional junior networking engineer certifications

Junior networking engineer 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 junior networking engineer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for junior networking engineers include CCNA Routing and Switching Certification (CCNA RS) and Security 5 Certification.

More About Certifications

Research junior networking engineer duties and responsibilities

Configure and manage networks using L3 protocols like RIPv2, IGRP.
Utilize bash and python scripting to manage multiple Linux servers used for research.
Manage a project for the deployment of Wi-Fi networks at all substations across the province.
Formulate SQL queries to automate data acquire from weekly team trackers, saving several hours daily.

Prepare your junior networking engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your junior networking engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a junior networking engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable junior networking engineer resume templates

Build a professional junior networking engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your junior networking engineer resume.