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Job outlook for junior networking engineers in the United States
Junior networking engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected junior networking engineer job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 18,200 new jobs for junior networking engineers are projected over the next decade.
Junior networking engineer salaries have increased 9% for junior networking engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 84,679 junior networking engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 44,165 active junior networking engineer job openings in the US.
The average junior networking engineer salary is $84,480.
Are junior networking engineer jobs in demand?
Junior networking engineer job and salary trends over time
Junior networking engineer jobs over time
Junior networking engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 84,679 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 57,855 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 30,890 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 27,366 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 28,022 | 0.01% |
Average junior networking engineer salary over time
Junior networking engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,480 | $40.62 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $81,696 | $39.28 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $79,847 | $38.39 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $78,922 | $37.94 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $77,560 | $37.29 | +2.4% |
Junior networking engineer jobs by state
Most common states for junior networking engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 498 | 72% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,086 | 25% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,345 | 22% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 830 | 15% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 397 | 13% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 118 | 12% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 74 | 12% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 731 | 11% |
| 9 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 465 | 10% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 399 | 10% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 139 | 10% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 77 | 10% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 678 | 9% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,121 | 8% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 787 | 8% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 152 | 8% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 83 | 8% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 47 | 8% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 245 | 7% |
| 20 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 104 | 7% |
Most common cities for junior networking engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OFallon | 2 | 7% | $76,316 |
| 2 | Charlottesville | 1 | 2% | $82,203 |
| 3 | Palm Springs | 1 | 2% | $99,353 |
| 4 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $67,532 |
| 5 | Columbia | 1 | 1% | $97,087 |
| 6 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $66,230 |
| 7 | New York | 5 | 0% | $81,145 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $78,271 |
| 9 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $77,496 |
| 10 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $77,632 |
| 11 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $91,965 |
| 12 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $98,260 |
| 13 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $109,659 |
Junior Networking Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of junior networking engineer experts
California State University - East Bay
Southeastern Louisiana University
University of Washington
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science and Computer EngineeringCalifornia State University - East Bay
Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications
What general advice would you give to a Junior Networking Engineer?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *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.*
What Junior Networking Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *Favor:*
*Variety: Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for problem-solving.*
*Demand: The field offers strong job growth and stability.*
*Impact: Your work ensures businesses and organizations remain connected and operational.*
*Learning: There's always something new to learn with emerging technologies.*
*Dislike:*
*Troubleshooting: Issues can be complex and take a lot of time to resolve.*
*On-call: Network problems can occur at any time, requiring on-call availability.*
*Pressure: Maintaining network uptime can be stressful, especially during critical periods.*
*Keeping Up-to-Date: Rapid technological changes necessitate continuous learning.*
What will help Junior Networking Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *Computer Networking Engineers are crucial in designing, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex networks. They need strong technical skills, analytical abilities, and strategic thinking to ensure smooth network operations.*
*A bit more detailed explanation of the Computer Networking Engineers responsibility:*
*Designing and Implementing Networks: This essential task involves creating new networks or significantly upgrading existing ones. It includes understanding organizational requirements, planning capacity, selecting the right hardware and software, and configuring these components for optimal performance and security.*
*Network Automation: Engineers automate routine tasks using scripting languages like Python or tools such as Cisco automation software. This automation not only saves time but also ensures consistent configurations.*
*Troubleshooting Complex Issues: They tackle intricate network problems by analyzing traffic patterns, identifying bottlenecks, optimizing performance, and resolving complex connectivity or security issues.*
*Staying Updated with Technology: As the networking field evolves rapidly, engineers must keep up with new technologies, emerging security threats, and best practices through conferences, online forums, and continuous learning.*
Dr. Paulo Alexandre Regis Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Computer ScienceSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Computer Science
What soft skills should all Junior Networking Engineers possess?
Dr. Paulo Alexandre Regis Ph.D.: Understanding the business/client needs and translating them into actionable networking technology (i.e., requirements). Ability to communicate technical terms to non-technical users/clients/managers.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Junior Networking Engineers?
Les Atlas: Most certainly an impact, a very strong impact. The best lesson for us is from the 1919 Spanish Flu pandemic. That strain of flu still circulates as a seasonal virus. Over 100 years laters, it is now considered a Phase 6 pandemic by the World Health Organization. While it is reduced due to current social distancing and mask wearing, the 1919 Spanish Flu virus still causes community-level outbreaks in multiple parts of the globe. Societal changes from this event of over 100 years ago are still with us.
In fact, they changed society. As is well-documented, after a high level of immunity was reached in the 1920's, the resulting labor shortage enabled workers to demand better living and working conditions, as well as better wages and public health care. As just one example of the societal changes due to the 1919 pandemic, the drop in the male labor force empowered male workers, and also changed the gender composition.
The aftermath of the 1919 pandemic was the start of women joining the labour force. In the United States, the proportion of women in the labour force rose from 18 per cent in 1900 to almost 21 per cent in 1920. In that same year, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment of the Constitution, the Congress of the United States guaranteed all American women the right to vote.
The current COVID-19 pandemic will certainly change the way we live, be it our mobility or the kinds of career options people have. After our current year-long experience in remote learning and work, will we go back to the inefficiencies of going to our office every work day? Or will remote work be acceptable, where one's residence will not be dependent upon the locations of employment. Will we avoid future hotspots of infection, choosing to instead reside and travel in areas where infection is decreasing? Will we prefer to travel on aircraft which are certified to be virus-free and frequent restaurants which are documented to be safer? Future marketing will likely make a sharp turn in this direction.
Dr. T.S. Kalkur
Department ChairUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
What experience really stands out on Junior Networking Engineer resumes?
Dr. T.S. Kalkur: Internship experience and tools used in design.