How To Become A Network Systems Integrator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a network systems integrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Laura Kier

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a network systems integrator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $28.12 an hour? That's $58,480 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 systems integrator?

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 Systems IntegratorUS Average

Salary

4.6

Avg. Salary $58,480

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 8.78%

Black or African American 8.83%

Hispanic or Latino 12.51%

Unknown 5.08%

White 64.48%

Gender

female 13.98%

male 86.02%

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 systems integrator

Explore network systems integrator education requirements

Most common network systems integrator degrees

Bachelor's

71.2 %

Associate

19.7 %

Master's

6.1 %

Start to develop specific network systems integrator skills

Skills	Percentages
Lan	15.00%
Linux	11.59%
Network Systems	11.07%
Lan Wan	10.57%
Switches	8.93%

Complete relevant network systems integrator training and internships

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

Research network systems integrator duties and responsibilities

Construct spreadsheets for calculating and reporting data from warehouse management system, and manage equipment database for entire distribution center.
Develop and installing UNIX scripts as utilities for customer use.
Use test equipment to verify custom coax and CAT5 cables.
Configure switches, routers and fix problems with hardware and software.

Apply for network systems integrator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a network systems integrator 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 systems integrators rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Network systems integrator reviews

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.