Network operation technician education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a network operation technician. Network operation technicians usually study computer information systems, business, or computer science. 49% of network operation technicians hold a bachelor's degree, and 35% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 4,279 real network operation technician resumes to see exactly what network operation technician education sections show.

The most common colleges for network operation technicians are the DeVry University and the DeVry University.

There are also many online network operation technician courses to help get the education required to be a network operation technician.

There are certain network operation technician certifications that you should consider. These network operation technician certifications include Network 5 Certification and Security 5 Certification.

What education do you need to become a network operation technician?

What degree do you need to be a network operation technician?

The most common degree for network operation technicians is bachelor's degree, with 49% of network operation technicians earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 35% and associate degree degree at 6%.

Bachelor's, 49%

Associate, 35%

Master's, 6%

High School Diploma, 5%

Other Degrees, 5%

What should I major in to become a network operation technician?

You should major in computer information systems to become a network operation technician. 14% of network operation technicians major in computer information systems. Other common majors for a network operation technician include business and computer science.

Computer Information Systems, 14%

Business, 14%

Computer Science, 11%

Electrical Engineering, 11%

Other Majors, 50%

Most common colleges for network operation technicians

Network operation technicians often get their degrees at DeVry University, University of Phoenix, and Strayer University. Here are the most common colleges for network operation technicians in the US based on their resumes.

Network operation technician common college	Percentages
DeVry University	24.19%
University of Phoenix	20.97%
Strayer University	9.14%
University of Maryland - College Park	5.65%
George Mason University	4.84%

Show more common network operation technician colleges

Best majors for network operation technicians

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Computer Information Systems	14.0%
2	Business	13.7%
3	Computer Science	10.9%
4	Electrical Engineering	10.6%
5	Information Technology	10.4%

Show more common network operation technician majors

Best colleges for network operation technicians

The best colleges for network operation technicians are Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University.

A network operation technician with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for network operation technicians. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become network operation technicians.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

4. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

6. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

7. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$53,880

Enrollment

6,590

8. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,230

Enrollment

12,161

9. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

10. Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA • Private

In-state tuition

$30,894

Enrollment

2,289

20 best online courses for network operation technicians

Advertising disclosure

1. Network Support Fundamentals

Dive into the realm of network support with the Network Support Fundamentals course. This online course is meticulously designed to introduce you to the essential skills needed for supporting enterprise networks - one of the most in-demand skill sets in the digital landscape. By the end of this course you will be able to explain network security basics, monitor network performance, and provide essential professional support. Ideal for beginners aiming for an entry-level IT career or current IT...

2. Analyze Network Traffic with TCPDump

In this 1 hour guided project, you will learn how to use one of the most versatile Linux networking utilities tcpdump to capture and analyze TCP traffic. Popular among all ranks of networking professionals, tcpdump will definitely empower you in daily networking operations. Basic network experience and shell script basics are highly recommended as prerequisites...

3. Basic Cellular Networks Operator Course

4.5

(2,162)

Basic Fundamentals of Cellular Network Operations...

4. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

4.1

(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

5. Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 102

Welcome to the Intel® Network Academy – a comprehensive training program on network transformation. In this program, we will be covering the topic areas of software defined infrastructure (SDI) network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and beyond. Network Transformation 102 covers topics such as VNF Operations & Development, Cryptography, and Hyperscan technology, students will dive into the benefits of Intel hardware and software and explore how to accelerate...

6. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

(409)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

7. Virtual Private Networks for beginners - VPN, Cisco training

4.2

(1,671)

Learn how VPN works and discover protocols like PPTP, L2TP, IPSec and SSL. Build your own VPN network at home. Security...

8. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

Learn Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, network protocols and much more!...

9. Networking Essentials

4.5

(618)

Gain the essential knowledge and skills required to configure, troubleshoot, manage and protect a data network...

10. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

4.8

(306)

The Physical Side of Computer Networking; Wire Ethernet Cables from Scratch and Master the Fundamentals of RJ-45 Ports...

11. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...

12. Mastering Modbus TCP/IP Network Communication

4.8

(1,422)

Learn how to design, build and troubleshoot Modbus TCP/IP client-server networks...

13. Java Network Programming - TCP/IP Socket Programming

4.2

(604)

Learn how to write powerful network applications...

14. Ethical Hacking: Network Security & Network Layer Attack

4.5

(888)

Learn Ethical Hacking with Network Security, Sniffing, Subnetting, Networking, Password Cracking & implement Mit M attack...

15. IT/Desktop Computer Support- Troubleshooting for Technicians

4.2

(306)

Learn how to troubleshoot desktop computer issues as an IT Support Technician on real-world organisational networks...

16. Networking Concepts with Socket Programming - Academic Level

4.6

(732)

Networking course with socket programming concepts in depth with TCP/UDP/HTTP Socket Programming for beginners to expert...

17. Introduction to Networking 2 Hour Crash Course

4.6

(4,667)

Learn the basics of IP, Ethernet, VPNs, WANs, DHCP, DNS, and more with no prior knowledge required...

18. Ethical Hacking: Network Scan Nmap& Nessus Network Security

4.6

(1,427)

Scan networks with vulnerabilities by using Nmap& Nessus. Master Cyber Security, ethical hacking, network hacking skills...

19. TOTAL: CompTIA Network+ Certification (N10-007)

4.8

(29,602)

Everything you need to pass the Comp TIA Network+ Exam (N10-007) from Mike Meyers, Comp TIA expert and bestselling author...

20. IT Networking Fundamentals For Complete Beginners

4.5

(1,697)

Understand all the IT Networking Fundamentals and learn how the computer network functions...

Top 10 most affordable universities for network operation technicians

The most affordable schools for network operation technicians are California State University - Bakersfield, suny farmingdale, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for network operation technicians are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for network operation technicians.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

4. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. Clayton State University

Morrow, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$5,419

Cost of attendance

17,697

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

9. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

10. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,238

Cost of attendance

21,567

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for network operation technicians

The hardest universities for network operation technicians to get into are Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University.

Some great schools for network operation technicians are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for network operation technicians based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

4. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

5. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,415

9. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

10. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for network operation technicians

The easiest schools for network operation technicians to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a network operation technician without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for network operation technicians.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

4. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

7. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

8. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

9. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,020

10. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

Average network operation technician salary by education level

Network operation technicians with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $75,335 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, network operation technicians earn a median annual income of $71,776 compared to $62,716 for network operation technicians with an Associate degree.

Network operation technician education level	Network operation technician salary
Master's Degree	$75,335
High School Diploma or Less	$61,630
Bachelor's Degree	$71,776
Some College/ Associate Degree	$62,716

Network operation technician education FAQs

What is the best college for Network Operation Technicians?

Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

Search for network operation technician jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs