What does a network operator do?
A Network Provider in an organization is the person who provides wired and wireless communication services that own or control the infrastructure that is important when it comes to selling and delivering services to mobile network operators, virtual network operators, and end-users. You will be required to monitor and troubleshoot communication and application-related tools, maintain the wireless network infrastructure, test and implement new products and services and plan and manage telecommunication services when large and complex projects are being carried out.
Network operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network operator resumes:
- Manage database development and recovery.
- Plan, configure and install new desktop computers, achieving standardization for workstations.
- Manage and support the mission-critical LAN product delivery cores to standards of capacity, availability and security.
- Weekend maintenance of server services on NT network and level one desktop support, monitors token-ring network, routers, switches.
- Automate manual employee processes with Linux shell scripting.
- Used Linux operating system and software for operation and trouble shooting.
- Used CLI for troubleshooting, tunneling, TCP/IP, and routing/switch protocols.
- Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment./ VOIP
- Upgrade several PCs to company standard (NT) and assist in research for Y2K issues.
- Provide on site technical assistance to billing system vendor for UNIX PC base on site billing computer.
- Implement configuration changes for static routes, BGP, Multilinks, ACLs, NAT policies, and firewall policies.
- Identify and correct DNS errors, internal routing problems and internet mail routing, firewall configuration problems for customers.
- Perform duties such as installing PCs by establishing and making all physical connection and configuring install PCs for network capabilities.
- Install, operate and perform systems maintenance on large and small electronic switches; system control centers; node management facilities.
- Perform dial-in diagnostics to Motorola/Vanguard routers.
Network operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Network Operators are proficient in Switches, Customer Service, and Routers. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Switches, 7%
Implemented routing configuration of Cisco routers and switches as well as entry-level configuration of Juniper routers.
- Customer Service, 6%
Provided telephone and desktop support for all end users while maintaining excellent customer service
- Routers, 5%
Hired initially as a customer support representative to provide first level product support for Motorola/Vanguard routers and modems.
- SolarWinds, 5%
Level I client support * Monitoring of global circuits for clients using SolarWinds.
- NOC, 4%
Work in NOC environment assisting financial Bank institutions connectivity and secure transactions.
- Remedy, 4%
Monitored production issues using Remedy Automated Help Desk ticket management system and oversaw databases ensure availability of disk space.
Common skills that a network operator uses to do their job include "switches," "customer service," and "routers." You can find details on the most important network operator responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a network operator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what network operators do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a network operator resume shows how network operators use analytical skills: "analyze output from solarwinds, sitescope and cst log file readers. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform network operator duties is communication skills. Network operators responsibilities require that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." Network operators also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "send communications on incidents to global pfizer colleagues to keep them informed of matters related to work computer systems. "
Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of network operators is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday network operator duties, as "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "used multitasking and knowledge in unix and aol proprietary systems while working individually in an overnight setting. "
Problem-solving skills. network operator responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This resume example shows what network operators do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "used remote desktop connection for workstations and helped resolved remote connectivity issues with citrix user logins. "
The three companies that hire the most network operators are:
- Zayo Group6 network operators jobs
- Criterion Systems4 network operators jobs
- Peraton4 network operators jobs
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Compare different network operators
Network operator vs. Noc technician
A NOC (Network Operations Center) technician is responsible for providing the highest customer service by resolving the customers' technical and network issues that affect the performance and stability of the systems operations. NOC technicians diagnose system failures and create support tickets for immediate troubleshooting. They also assist the system engineers in upgrading the network infrastructure and configuration to prevent system downtimes and operational delays. A NOC technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in identifying technical solutions and achieve the best customer satisfaction for system services.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a network operator are more likely to require skills like "noc," "dod," "national security," and "ios." On the other hand, a job as a noc technician requires skills like "troubleshoot," "phone calls," "lan wan," and "mpls." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Noc technicians really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $56,227. Comparatively, network operators tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $60,844.On average, noc technicians reach similar levels of education than network operators. Noc technicians are 1.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Network operator vs. Administrative technical support
Administrative technical support maintains every technical set-up used in a company. Their primary responsibility is to inspect a company's systems, evaluate for issues, and repair any problems immediately. Administrative technical support is typically on call at the start of the day and, when they are not responding to calls, they conduct regular check-ups on all company systems. They are also responsible for creating technical reports and offering recommendations for improvements.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real network operator resumes. While network operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "switches," "routers," "solarwinds," and "noc," administrative technical supports use skills like "troubleshoot," "phone calls," "data entry," and "sharepoint."
Administrative technical supports earn similar levels of education than network operators in general. They're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network operator vs. Network security engineer
A network security engineer is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all the organization's network systems, conducting regular configuration and maintenance to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities that may pose risks for the company's integrity. Network security engineers manage security threats and strategize resolutions to mitigate the reoccurrence of security issues. They also develop security enhancement recommendations, update network infrastructure, and monitor system activities. A network security engineer should have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, network operators are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "noc," "juniper," and "dod." But a network security engineer is more likely to have skills like "network security," "windows," "troubleshoot," and "servers."
Network security engineers make a very good living in the retail industry with an average annual salary of $95,160. On the other hand, network operators are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $60,844.network security engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to network operators. Specifically, they're 9.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network operator vs. Senior network engineer
A senior network engineer is responsible for managing the organization's network infrastructure, handling advanced network issues, upgrading the system's design for optimization, configuring network features, and ensuring the network's highest security measures to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities. Senior network engineers work with network architects to implement network designs, run diagnostic tests, and create network solution reports for review and recovery reference. A senior network engineer must have excellent communication and organization skills and broad knowledge of the technology industry, programming languages, and system codes.
Types of network operator
Updated January 8, 2025
