How To Become A Network Operations Center Supervisor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network operations center supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

The average network operations center supervisor salary is $83,658. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an business major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a network operations center supervisor. Network operations center supervisors with a ITIL Foundation certification earn more money. 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 operations center supervisor?

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 Operations Center SupervisorUS Average

Salary

6.5

Avg. Salary $83,658

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 8.68%

Black or African American 9.24%

Hispanic or Latino 12.91%

Unknown 5.11%

White 63.74%

Gender

female 13.65%

male 86.35%

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

Key steps to become a network operations center supervisor

Explore network operations center supervisor education requirements

Most common network operations center supervisor degrees

Bachelor's

51.4 %

Associate

30.6 %

Master's

10.4 %

Start to develop specific network operations center supervisor skills

Skills	Percentages
Network Operations	11.73%
NOC	10.27%
Technical Support	7.87%
Switches	5.64%
Network Equipment	4.39%

Complete relevant network operations center supervisor training and internships

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

Gain additional network operations center supervisor certifications

Network operations center supervisor 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 operations center supervisor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for network operations center supervisors include ITIL Foundation and Network 5 Certification.

More About Certifications

Research network operations center supervisor duties and responsibilities

Manage F5 GTM's and LTM configuration and user access
Manage and oversee the upgrade of the linux base Opsview monitoring tool.
Co-Direct the deployment and manage the post implementation support of global Cisco VoIP telephony schema.
Recommend, engineer and manage office systems, including centralize productivity and communication systems such as e-mail and centralize desktop environments.

Prepare your network operations center supervisor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network operations center supervisor resume.

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