How To Become A Network Control Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network control operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

The average network control operator salary is $79,719. 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 network control operator. Network control operators with a Security 5 Certification 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 network control operator?

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.*

ScoreNetwork Control OperatorUS Average

Salary

6.2

Avg. Salary $79,719

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 9.34%

Black or African American 8.89%

Hispanic or Latino 12.58%

Unknown 5.08%

White 63.80%

Gender

female 15.95%

male 84.05%

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 network control operator

Explore network control operator education requirements

Most common network control operator degrees

Bachelor's

53.5 %

Associate

28.1 %

Master's

7.3 %

Start to develop specific network control operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	8.54%
Switches	7.88%
DOD	6.54%
Juniper	6.41%
Remedy	6.32%

Complete relevant network control operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network control operators 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 network control operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network control operator resumes.

Research network control operator duties and responsibilities

Maintain a high level manage network for DISA with minimum down time.
Manage and coordinate troubleshooting and restorative efforts and all networks to include SONET connectivity issues.
Manage complex resolution of provisioning issues for installation and maintenance.Responsible for issuing T1 circuit ASR's to LEC/ILEC.
Monitor, operate and manage, troubleshooting and restoring to service any of the components comprising the DISN network.

Prepare your network control operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network control operator resume.

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