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What is a network planner and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a network planner. For example, did you know that they make an average of $38.7 an hour? That's $80,488 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 8,400 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreNetwork PlannerUS Average
Salary
6.3

Avg. Salary $80,488

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 10.28%

Black or African American 9.59%

Hispanic or Latino 14.62%

Unknown 4.51%

White 60.69%

Gender

female 26.88%

male 73.12%

Age - 45
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 - 45
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Network planner career paths

Key steps to become a network planner

  1. Explore network planner education requirements

    Most common network planner degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.1 %

    Master's

    15.4 %

    Associate

    10.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific network planner skills

    SkillsPercentages
    IP10.90%
    Switches6.99%
    Project Management6.72%
    Network Operations6.62%
    Ethernet4.99%
  3. Research network planner duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Ethernet LANs in high profile company buildings.
    • Manage and analyze traffic backhaul for Ethernet and SONET circuits in between central offices.
    • Develop and manage the plan for new technology deployment that convert network backbone to IP.
    • Manage projects responsible for the customer turn ups of domestic and international customers on all BSLD switches in the network.
  4. Prepare your network planner resume

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

    Build a professional network planner 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 planner resume.
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
    Network Planner Resume
  5. Apply for network planner jobs

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

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Are you a network planner?

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Average network planner salary

The average network planner salary in the United States is $80,488 per year or $39 per hour. Network planner salaries range between $52,000 and $124,000 per year.

Average network planner salary
$80,488 Yearly
$38.70 hourly

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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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