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Network support engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected network support engineer job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 18,200 new jobs for network support engineers are projected over the next decade.
Network support engineer salaries have increased 9% for network support engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 173,163 network support engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 113,476 active network support engineer job openings in the US.
The average network support engineer salary is $86,406.
Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
---|---|---|
2021 | 173,163 | 0.05% |
2020 | 211,756 | 0.06% |
2019 | 94,904 | 0.03% |
2018 | 87,475 | 0.03% |
2017 | 89,242 | 0.03% |
Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | $86,406 | $41.54 | +3.4% |
2024 | $83,559 | $40.17 | +2.3% |
2023 | $81,667 | $39.26 | +1.2% |
2022 | $80,721 | $38.81 | +1.8% |
2021 | $79,328 | $38.14 | +2.4% |
Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 454 | 65% |
2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,974 | 23% |
3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 198 | 23% |
4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,605 | 22% |
5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,357 | 22% |
6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 136 | 18% |
7 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,573 | 17% |
8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 958 | 17% |
9 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 770 | 16% |
10 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 479 | 16% |
11 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 335 | 16% |
12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 98 | 16% |
13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,441 | 14% |
14 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 689 | 14% |
15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 914 | 13% |
16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 397 | 13% |
17 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 383 | 13% |
18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 129 | 13% |
19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 153 | 11% |
20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 81 | 11% |
Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | OFallon | 2 | 7% | $72,774 |
2 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $74,263 |
3 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $75,238 |
4 | Columbus | 2 | 0% | $77,339 |
5 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $89,699 |
6 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $73,946 |
7 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $74,354 |
8 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $93,837 |
9 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $106,963 |
California State University - East Bay
Stevens Institute of Technology
California State University - East Bay
Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *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.*
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *Favor:*
*Variety: Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for problem-solving.*
*Demand: The field offers strong job growth and stability.*
*Impact: Your work ensures businesses and organizations remain connected and operational.*
*Learning: There's always something new to learn with emerging technologies.*
*Dislike:*
*Troubleshooting: Issues can be complex and take a lot of time to resolve.*
*On-call: Network problems can occur at any time, requiring on-call availability.*
*Pressure: Maintaining network uptime can be stressful, especially during critical periods.*
*Keeping Up-to-Date: Rapid technological changes necessitate continuous learning.*
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *Computer Networking Engineers are crucial in designing, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex networks. They need strong technical skills, analytical abilities, and strategic thinking to ensure smooth network operations.*
*A bit more detailed explanation of the Computer Networking Engineers responsibility:*
*Designing and Implementing Networks: This essential task involves creating new networks or significantly upgrading existing ones. It includes understanding organizational requirements, planning capacity, selecting the right hardware and software, and configuring these components for optimal performance and security.*
*Network Automation: Engineers automate routine tasks using scripting languages like Python or tools such as Cisco automation software. This automation not only saves time but also ensures consistent configurations.*
*Troubleshooting Complex Issues: They tackle intricate network problems by analyzing traffic patterns, identifying bottlenecks, optimizing performance, and resolving complex connectivity or security issues.*
*Staying Updated with Technology: As the networking field evolves rapidly, engineers must keep up with new technologies, emerging security threats, and best practices through conferences, online forums, and continuous learning.*
Anthony Barrese: Pursue opportunities to broaden your experience across systems engineering, development, integration and test, field sales support and professional services positions. Generalist experience becomes invaluable with career advancement. Running a team is much more feasible for leaders who understand the process behind the work their reports deliver.
Laura Kier: 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.
Laura Kier: Computer Networking is a dynamic field with a wide variety of opportunities in many different industries. Some skills that will be more important in general are skills in software defined networking and automation. Skills in the DevOps field will be necessary, as well as skills leveraging AI tools. Cybersecurity is always important and using AI tools to enhance security and monitoring is necessary.
Laura Kier: Learn to present your skills well from the interview and into your career. Those communication skills count! Industry certifications like CCNA matter. They help you demonstrate a willingness to grow and learn beyond what was required for your degree. Be willing to take on new challenges with your new job and keep learning new skills. It is really important for graduates to understand that talented IT professionals can move up quickly in a company, but they often must start at the bottom to showcase their technical and soft skills. Because of that, they should not shy away from entry level jobs if there is potential for growth.