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What is a network services specialist 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 services specialist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $42.13 an hour? That's $87,621 a year! 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 services specialist?

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 Services SpecialistUS Average
Salary
6.8

Avg. Salary $87,621

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 8.99%

Black or African American 9.06%

Hispanic or Latino 12.74%

Unknown 5.10%

White 63.79%

Gender

female 28.14%

male 71.86%

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

Network services specialist career paths

Key steps to become a network services specialist

  1. Explore network services specialist education requirements

    Most common network services specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    53.6 %

    Associate

    28.8 %

    High School Diploma

    8.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific network services specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Network Infrastructure11.12%
    IP10.53%
    Tcp Ip9.38%
    Network Connectivity8.62%
    Firewall8.40%
  3. Complete relevant network services specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New network services specialists 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 services specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real network services specialist resumes.
  4. Research network services specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the IP database covering both IPv4 and IPv6 address pools.
    • Install and manage PBX voice network & secure video-teleconferencing services as necessary using military-grade & commercial VoIP hardware and software.
    • Experience in working with various network devices, hubs, wireless routers.
    • Maintain network equipment stability with update firmware of various Cisco routers and switches.
  5. Apply for network services specialist jobs

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

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Average network services specialist salary

The average network services specialist salary in the United States is $87,621 per year or $42 per hour. Network services specialist salaries range between $65,000 and $117,000 per year.

Average network services specialist salary
$87,621 Yearly
$42.13 hourly

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How do network services specialists rate their job?

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Network services specialist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

I love the fact that I have self taught myself by trouble shooting issues for fifteen years while working in corrections as the Video court officer with no prior experince or degree

Cons

I dislike the fact that I don't get paid as a Video technician although I'm called to fix issues


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

talking to people

Cons

outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.


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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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