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

What is a network operations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Christine Tonnis

A network operations manager is a leadership professional who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer network. They oversee network staff and manages network incidents, upgrades, security, and maintenance. Almost every business and organization depends on a smooth-working network to conduct daily tasks, and it is up to the network manager to ensure that the network functions smoothly, and is free of security issues and interruptions in service. These professionals also act as a conduit between upper management and the IT department and assist in the hiring of new employees, as well as direct training for network staff.

Most network operations managers have a bachelor's degree in IT, computer networking, computer science, or a related area. They are IT professionals who have a broad knowledge of the operation and stability of an organization's network and must possess expert skills in the management of local area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN). Network operations managers should have strong computer and networking skills, as well as good communication, analytical, and management skills.

A network operations manager can make up to $102,000 annually, and the career field is projected to increase 5% in the next 10 years.

What general advice would you give to a network operations manager?

Christine Tonnis

Assistant Professor, Educator, Electrical Engineering Co-op Adviser, Electrical Engineering Technology Co-op Adviser, University of Cincinnati

Be Flexible! These are uncertain times, but often there are unexpected, positive outcomes when we allow ourselves to explore options that we were not open to initially! Statistically, the more positions/job postings to which you are willing to apply, the better your odds for getting an interview.
Stay active! Keep up with the job search, stay in touch with your personal and professional network of people, keep learning, and stay physically active-proven to lift your mood! Energetic, curious and happy people are more likely to find work.

ScoreNetwork Operations ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $98,658

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 8.73%

Black or African American 9.03%

Hispanic or Latino 12.71%

Unknown 5.10%

White 64.12%

Gender

female 15.30%

male 84.70%

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

7.4

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 manager

Explore network operations manager education requirements

Most common network operations manager degrees

Bachelor's

63.8 %

Associate

17.4 %

Master's

12.6 %

Start to develop specific network operations manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Network Operations	16.77%
Project Management	5.57%
Network Infrastructure	5.50%
Customer Service	4.63%
Switches	4.31%

Complete relevant network operations manager training and internships

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

Gain additional network operations manager certifications

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

The most common certifications for network operations managers include IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) and Security 5 Certification.

More About Certifications

Research network operations manager duties and responsibilities

Manage replacement of outdate phone system with state of the art PBX system, implement voicemail and ACD functionality.
Manage all voice and data contracts as well as configuration, maintenance, and support of VPN connectivity to remote sites.
Generate RFP s, accept bids, negotiate contracts, manage contractors, and scrutinize invoices with the authority to approve.
Develop windows batch scripts to automate system administration tasks.

Prepare your network operations manager resume

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

Build a professional network operations 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 operations manager resume.