How To Become A Network Support Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network support engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Laura Kier

Network Support Engineers are IT professionals who ensure a corporation's network works efficiently and securely. They work as part of an in-house support team or that of a third party. The primary responsibility of the network support engineer is the installation of all the company's hardware and software as specified. They troubleshoot and resolve both hardware and software issues. Maintenance of network and system security is an essential duty of network support engineers, and they work in government agencies, finance, or healthcare industries.

As a network support engineer, you must have a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, information technology, or any computer-related field. Key skills that a network support engineer needs include communication, analytical, problem-solving, computer, and networking skills. The median salary for a network support engineer is $59,654, and it ranges from approximately $52,967 to $131,334 per year.

What general advice would you give to a network support engineer?

Laura Kier

Network Design and Administration Instructor

Students graduating from the Computer Network Design and Administration program will enter the job market with a solid foundation in networking technologies. Above that they should also be able to develop and demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Networking has a strong emphasis on teamwork and being able to communicate well with customers, co-workers and teammates is vital. Attaining certifications in Cisco, Linux, Windows, and security will also help the student stand out within the industry (classes in the program help to learn the knowledge needed to attain certifications). Students should participate in any local or online communities and groups to enhance skills and knowledge and find networking opportunities.

ScoreNetwork Support EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.8

Avg. Salary $86,406

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.91%

Black or African American 7.98%

Hispanic or Latino 11.70%

Unknown 5.01%

White 61.09%

Gender

female 10.84%

male 89.16%

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

Key steps to become a network support engineer

Explore network support engineer education requirements

Most common network support engineer degrees

Bachelor's

64.1 %

Associate

17.4 %

Master's

11.5 %

Start to develop specific network support engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Switches	7.23%
Network Support	4.58%
OSPF	4.49%
BGP	4.38%
Technical Support	3.80%

Complete relevant network support engineer training and internships

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

Gain additional network support engineer certifications

Network support engineer 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 support engineer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for network support engineers include CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

More About Certifications

Research network support engineer duties and responsibilities

Manage, support, upgrade and administer DNS and DHCP for all devices on the network.
Manage a remote VOIP trial which include configuring and supporting customer premise equipment as well as carrier side equipment.
Manage and administrate security policy and procedures for all VPN network connectivity and accounts.
Create strong relationship with customers by resolving TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP relate problems through remote desktop and on site.

Prepare your network support engineer resume

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

Build a professional network support engineer 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 support engineer resume.

Apply for network support engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a network support engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do network support engineers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Network support engineer reviews

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

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019