What is a network integrator and how to become one
Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a network integrator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $40.55 an hour? That's $84,347 a year! 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 integrator?
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 IntegratorUS Average
Salary
6.6
Avg. Salary $84,347
Avg. Salary $59,228
Stability level
5.7
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
Diversity
3.7
Race
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 11.03%
Black or African American 8.67%
Hispanic or Latino 12.36%
Unknown 5.07%
White 62.55%
Gender
female 15.09%
male 84.91%
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 integrator career paths
Key steps to become a network integrator
Explore network integrator education requirements
Most common network integrator degrees
Bachelor's
62.7 %
Associate
25.4 %
Master's
5.6 %
Start to develop specific network integrator skills
Skills
Percentages
Network Troubleshooting
14.21%
Switches
7.01%
Firewall
6.92%
Routers
6.62%
Ethernet
6.32%
Show more
Complete relevant network integrator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network integrators 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 integrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network integrator resumes.
Research network integrator duties and responsibilities
Manage outsourced PC support personnel.
Engineer and manage creation of co-registration Java modules for integration with Akamai streaming servers.
Analyze and troubleshoot network issues and outages.
How did you land your first network integrator job
Are you a network integrator?
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Average network integrator salary
The average network integrator salary in the United States is $84,347 per year or $41 per hour. Network integrator salaries range between $61,000 and $114,000 per year.
Average network integrator salary
$84,347Â Yearly
$40.55 hourly
What am I worth?
How do network integrators rate their job?
-/5
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Network integrator reviews
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.
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.