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

What is a network developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Craig Tidwell Ph.D.

The chief responsibility of a network developer is to build, develop, and scale data networks. The main goal of their job is to allow data to move rapidly across different data centers, optimize existing network systems, and help ensure the security of the data that moves across these networks.

To achieve this goal, a network developer spends most of his/her or her time conducting tests to check the effectiveness of implemented strategies, automating networks to speed up data transfer, and coming up with solutions to existing data network problems of their client.

Most employers require aspiring network developers to have at least a bachelor's degree for this role, particularly in computer science or computer engineering. More than that, extensive experience and skill in data management and network development are also a must.

Like many other jobs in tech, the salary of a network developer is above average at around $85,000 per year or roughly $41 an hour. Network developers in telecommunications, technology, and healthcare industries tend to make the most, earning around $116,000 per year or more.

What general advice would you give to a network developer?

Craig Tidwell Ph.D.

Professor/Program Manager, Seminole State College of Florida

Students who are graduating with a degree in computer and information systems should focus on being lifelong learners. The most challenging, and sometimes frustrating, aspect of a career in information technology is that it is always changing. Employers are also looking for employees that can work well with others, especially in teams. Having a good understanding of the development and design process, and project management (DevOps) is a plus. Currently, there is a high demand for graduates with cloud and information security knowledge and skills.

ScoreNetwork DeveloperUS Average

Salary

7.5

Avg. Salary $95,507

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 12.61%

Black or African American 9.54%

Hispanic or Latino 14.68%

Unknown 4.51%

White 58.34%

Gender

female 38.55%

male 61.45%

Age - 45

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 - 45

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a network developer

Explore network developer education requirements

Most common network developer degrees

Bachelor's

66.9 %

Master's

13.4 %

Associate

10.6 %

Start to develop specific network developer skills

Skills	Percentages
Java	33.62%
Excellent Organizational	30.44%
C++	4.70%
Linux	3.29%
API	2.50%

Research network developer duties and responsibilities

Manage DHCP and DNS with QIP server.
Manage escalations for hosting clients on network provisioning issues.
Introduce and manage the implementation of raid servers and gigabit switches to consolidate production server hardware.
Ensure business continuity by managing and monitoring all infrastructure backups, and notifying business partners of fail backup jobs.

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