Post job

What is a network designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Network designers or computer network architects are highly skilled specialists who assess the network requirements of a company and design an ideal network that can meet these needs. Network designers often create and submit network plans to the company's management.

They also make upgrades and updates to the company's hardware and software. These people are also responsible for performing research and observing trends and the latest improvements in the industry that can help make their designs more effective.

The minimum requirement you need to become a network designer is a bachelor's degree in computer science, networking, information technology, or information systems. Note that some employers may request a master's degree.

You can also acquire professional certification to increase your employability. To start earning the median salary of $79,320 per year or $38 per hour, ensure you have computer skills, attention to detail, and a good eye for numbers.

What general advice would you give to a network designer?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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 DesignerUS Average
Salary
6.6

Avg. Salary $84,818

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 13.71%

Black or African American 7.96%

Hispanic or Latino 11.83%

Unknown 5.02%

White 61.18%

Gender

female 13.04%

male 86.96%

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

Network designer career paths

Key steps to become a network designer

  1. Explore network designer education requirements

    Most common network designer degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.9 %

    Master's

    20.2 %

    Associate

    16.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific network designer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Network Design9.28%
    PC6.73%
    OSPF5.74%
    Network Operations5.20%
    EIGRP5.16%
  3. Complete relevant network designer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network designers 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 designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network designer resumes.
  4. Research network designer duties and responsibilities

    • Design, manage and troubleshoot EIGRP and OSPF routing environment comprise of multiple areas.
    • Achieve proficiency in all major network transport protocols, SNA/SDLC, Bisync, TCP/IP, Cisco and Motorola IP routing equipment.
    • Utilize advanced encryption devices to secure communications between all locations manage by the department.
    • Support to other engineers with Linux and cfengine administration.
  5. Get network designer experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a network designer. The most common roles before becoming a network designer include network engineer, project manager team lead and network technician.
  6. Apply for network designer jobs

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

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

How did you land your first network designer job

Zippi

Are you a network designer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average network designer salary

The average network designer salary in the United States is $84,818 per year or $41 per hour. Network designer salaries range between $62,000 and $115,000 per year.

Average network designer salary
$84,818 Yearly
$40.78 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do network designers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Network designer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

talking to people

Cons

outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.


Working as a network designer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs