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What is a network operation technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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The network operation technician installs and maintains network infrastructure, resolves network issues, and collects network performance data in line with the IT teams and field technicians. You will assist in running diagnostic tests on the communication between modems, routers, servers, and computers. With your experience, you will help install, configure and update networking accessories for the end-users. You will create a data backup, data security, retrieval, and achieving procedures. In addition to this, you will train junior IT staff while providing onsite field technicians with remote technical support. Lastly, you will make sure you are current with the recent trends and advancements in network infrastructure and technologies.

The educational requirement for the post is a bachelor's degree in Computer science, information science, or specialization in network engineering. Professional certification is an added advantage. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and time management skills are required for this post. They earn an average of $50,669 a year.

ScoreNetwork Operation TechnicianUS Average
Salary
5.0

Avg. Salary $64,272

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 8.77%

Black or African American 8.89%

Hispanic or Latino 12.58%

Unknown 5.08%

White 64.36%

Gender

female 16.31%

male 83.69%

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 operation technician career paths

Key steps to become a network operation technician

  1. Explore network operation technician education requirements

    Most common network operation technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    48.7 %

    Associate

    35.2 %

    Master's

    5.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific network operation technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Troubleshoot8.99%
    Network Operations8.47%
    Customer Service6.67%
    NOC5.09%
    Switches4.57%
  3. Complete relevant network operation technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network operation technicians 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 operation technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network operation technician resumes.
  4. Gain additional network operation technician certifications

    Network operation technician 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 operation technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for network operation technicians include Network 5 Certification and Security 5 Certification.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research network operation technician duties and responsibilities

    • Control and manage digital, voice and data circuits with DMS, SNMP and X.400-500 protocols.
    • Manage, install, and setup network interface devices (NIDS) via VPN and private IP.
    • Manage the F5 BigIP GTM/LTM appliances to include writing iRules, SSL offload and everyday task of creating WIP and VIPs.
    • Perform basic network routing troubleshooting via BGP, OSPF.
  6. Prepare your network operation technician resume

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

    Build a professional network operation technician 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 operation technician resume.
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    Network Operation Technician Resume
  7. Apply for network operation technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a network operation technician 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 operation technician job

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Average network operation technician salary

The average network operation technician salary in the United States is $64,272 per year or $31 per hour. Network operation technician salaries range between $41,000 and $99,000 per year.

Average network operation technician salary
$64,272 Yearly
$30.90 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do network operation technicians rate their job?

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Network operation technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

I love the fact that I have self taught myself by trouble shooting issues for fifteen years while working in corrections as the Video court officer with no prior experince or degree

Cons

I dislike the fact that I don't get paid as a Video technician although I'm called to fix issues


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

User is not available for investigation how hardware and software had problem.


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.


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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.

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