Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a network infrastructure engineer and how to become one
Everything has changed. As more and more companies deviate from the standard practice to cloud computing for managing networks, servers, analytics, software, and business intelligence, network infrastructure engineers have become unavoidably instrumental to their success as a business.
So what exactly do these network infrastructure engineer guys do? You see, companies need these guys to provide technical support to optimize a company's infrastructure systems and services. These engineers define, arrange, and supervise hardware installation in the network from routers, and servers, to switches and power systems.
When looking to hire a network infrastructure engineer, some employers require the candidates to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or any other similar field. If you have experience in the design and deployment of networks or have worked with optical technologies before, your chances of getting hired will rise. Meanwhile, most network infrastructure engineers are paid an average of $71,888 per annum in the United States.
What general advice would you give to a network infrastructure engineer?
Professor David Sanford
Associate Professor an Department Chair (MIS, CS, CYB MGT, IS CYB), Northwood University
They appreciate the diversity of projects
They enjoy the need for continuous improvement and education
Many see the global impact of their work.
They also desire and appreciate the need for versatile skills
A competitive salary is also an item that employees like
Workers dislike that the work can be stressful
Dealing with tight deadlines and/ or cybersecurity concerns.
This is a positive and a negative: The need to constantly stay up to date with technology can be a bit overwhelming for some.
There may be times of isolation, and
The unexpected system failures can be frustrating as they often require extra hours or the need to be on-call.
The multiple responsibilities and managing repetitive tasks are also issues workers point out in this field.
In short, the workplace offers exciting opportunities but comes with its fair share of pressures and challenges. Different people have different experiences based on their roles and personal preferences.
Avg. Salary $82,895
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 11.98%
Black or African American 8.69%
Hispanic or Latino 12.38%
Unknown 5.07%
White 61.57%
Genderfemale 7.56%
male 92.44%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Network infrastructure engineer career paths
Key steps to become a network infrastructure engineer
Explore network infrastructure engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific network infrastructure engineer skills
Skills Percentages Network Infrastructure 7.47% Switches 7.42% Cloud 5.90% Nexus 3.77% Firewall 3.56% Complete relevant network infrastructure engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network infrastructure 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 network infrastructure engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network infrastructure engineer resumes.Research network infrastructure engineer duties and responsibilities
- Manage VOIP on Cisco base network.
- Manage network addressing subsystems, DNS and DHCP services.
- Manage MPLS that used OPSF for primary route control and BGP to control outside advertisement.
- Manage installation projects from planning through implementation: order equipment, determine required headcount, and order switches and materials.
Prepare your network infrastructure engineer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network infrastructure 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 network infrastructure 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 network infrastructure engineer resume templates
Build a professional network infrastructure 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 network infrastructure engineer resume.
Apply for network infrastructure engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a network infrastructure engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first network infrastructure engineer job
Are you a network infrastructure engineer?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average network infrastructure engineer salary
The average network infrastructure engineer salary in the United States is $82,895 per year or $40 per hour. Network infrastructure engineer salaries range between $57,000 and $119,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do network infrastructure engineers rate their job?
Network infrastructure engineer reviews
talking to people
outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.
Updated January 8, 2025
