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

What is a network manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Matthew Liotine Ph.D.

A network manager is in charge of the computer system for an organization. The main duty of a network manager is to maintain a computer network with software, provide technical support, and train employees. Other duties include installing new hardware and software on workstations, monitoring systems to prevent lapses in service, and evaluating the current network to identify the areas that need to be enhanced or upgraded. The network manager also has to ensure that systems are working at all times and plan the budget and other financial aspects of the department.

For a network manager, you need to possess leadership skills and strong IT skills. You also need in-depth knowledge of all networks. Interpersonal skills, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and project management skills are vital to the role of a network manager. The minimum educational qualification is a degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or other relevant fields. The median annual salary of a network manager is $106,254.

What general advice would you give to a network manager?

Matthew Liotine Ph.D.

Clinical Professor and Director of Master of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management, University of Illinois at Chicago

Most employers tell me that soft skills are equally, if not more important, than technical skills or domain knowledge. This translates into external/internal customer-facing skills, such as communication, team collaboration, writing, presentation, problem-solving, and being resourceful. (Many graduates overlook writing as a vital skill, but they fail to realize that in the course of their jobs, they will likely be required to write lots of memos and tons of emails.) The need to perfect these skills within the confines of a virtual world has become even more challenging and amplified with COVID. I teach in the information systems discipline, and when you view student resumes, many people look the same on paper. The soft skills will make a candidate stand out head and shoulders above the rest. That's why the candidate should pay attention to the screening interviews that they will undergo during the hiring process since employers will use these interviews to vet these skills.

ScoreNetwork ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.5

Avg. Salary $97,578

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 8.74%

Black or African American 9.00%

Hispanic or Latino 12.68%

Unknown 5.09%

White 64.17%

Gender

female 16.69%

male 83.31%

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

7.2

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 manager

Explore network manager education requirements

Most common network manager degrees

Bachelor's

62.7 %

Associate

19.8 %

Master's

11.2 %

Start to develop specific network manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	12.07%
Fault Management	6.48%
Network Infrastructure	4.70%
Switches	4.49%
Network Hardware	3.97%

Complete relevant network manager training and internships

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

Gain additional network manager certifications

Network manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific network manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for network managers include Network 5 Certification and Project Management Professional (PMP).

More About Certifications

Research network manager duties and responsibilities

Negotiate and manage customer SLA's.
Manage a remote nationwide team of database Sr.
Manage vendor for all PBX move add and changes.
Manage environment in support of define CDRL's and SLA's.

Prepare your network manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network manager 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 manager 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 manager resume templates

Build a professional network manager 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 manager resume.