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What is a network security consultant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a network security consultant. For example, did you know that they make an average of $44.71 an hour? That's $92,993 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 32% and produce 35,500 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a Network Security Consultant?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

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 Security ConsultantUS Average
Salary
7.3

Avg. Salary $92,993

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.5

Growth Rate 32%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 9.64%

Black or African American 9.15%

Hispanic or Latino 8.99%

Unknown 6.09%

White 65.70%

Gender

female 8.01%

male 91.99%

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
6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.4

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.9

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

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Network Security Consultant career paths

Key steps to become a network security consultant

  1. Explore network security consultant education requirements

    Most common network security consultant degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.5 %

    Master's

    14.9 %

    Associate

    12.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific network security consultant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Network Infrastructure9.36%
    Switches9.23%
    Routers6.63%
    Windows5.66%
    NMAP5.44%
  3. Complete relevant network security consultant training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network security consultants 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 security consultant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network security consultant resumes.
  4. Research network security consultant duties and responsibilities

    • Manage multiple network suppliers in a global environment in determining a proper choice for the SIEM.
    • Design and manage information systems security policy, implementation, and management for a globally distribute MPLS infrastructure.
    • Work on documenting and finding UNIX security holes within Harris' network.
    • Act as liaison between network team and Protiviti for their ongoing PCI compliance certification process
  5. Prepare your network security consultant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your network security consultant 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 security consultant 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 Security Consultant Resume templates

    Build a professional Network Security Consultant 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 Security Consultant resume.
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  6. Apply for network security consultant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a network security consultant 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 Security Consultant Job

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Average network security consultant salary

The average Network Security Consultant salary in the United States is $92,993 per year or $45 per hour. Network security consultant salaries range between $68,000 and $126,000 per year.

Average Network Security Consultant Salary
$92,993 Yearly
$44.71 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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