What does a network technician do?
A network technician is responsible for system malfunction diagnosis and troubleshooting operations. Network technicians duties' include repairing damaged system components, analyzing computer systems and blueprints, installing network connections, and upgrading accessories for efficient operations. Other duties include assisting customers with technical issues, ensuring computer systems' privacy, creating documents of network issues and resolutions, and suggesting alternative equipment for network backups. A network technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and mechanical processes, plus the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
Network technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real network technician resumes:
- Install and manage DHCP servers including setting up DHCP scopes, enabling DHCP clients, viewing and managing active leases.
- Manage city wide IIS deployment.
- Manage Virtualization system, using ESX server/client.
- Install, configure and manage Symantec Antivirus on all network computers
- Use Symantec BackupExec to manage and maintain all server backups and file restorations.
- Manage company Cisco series routers, switches, and ASA firewall integrate into MPLS network.
- Implement WAN/LAN configuration in the existed network and configure routing protocols MPLS, BGP, EIGRP, OSPF.
- Configure and maintain Cisco network equipment including firewall, switches, and network routers supporting data link between independent office locations.
- Gain expanded knowledge and some administration of print, file, active directory, DNS, and DHCP servers.
- Experience with enterprise routing technologies, including static and dynamic routing, routing protocols (OSPF and/or BGP).
- Manage DNS enhancements, email security and development/security of the firewall.
- Provide support for LAN connectivity and crossing over new LAN connections that facilitate optimal network operations.
- Install, configure, and troubleshoot network equipment during operational exercises, supporting key personnel in radio communications.
- Maintain and support the installation and configuration of resort-wide LAN and Linux server to provide inter-office email and share Internet access
- Adhere to the agreed upon SLA with HCL.IN.
Network technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Network Technicians are proficient in Customer Service, Switches, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.
We break down the percentage of Network Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 9%
Served as subject matter expert assisting with training newly hired technical support coordinators and customer service representatives transitioning into technical support.
- Switches, 6%
Configured and maintained Cisco network equipment including firewall, switches, and network routers supporting data link between independent office locations.
- Troubleshoot, 6%
Performed client troubleshooting utilizing CiscoWorks suite of management tools to troubleshoot and obtain actionable information to isolate and fix network problems.
- Routers, 4%
Maintained and administered Cisco routers and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, peripherals, and security configurations.
- Lan Wan, 3%
Designed HQ, branch and Co-location Data Center LAN WAN network.
- Lan, 3%
Administered end-user workstations and supports end-user activities utilizing TCP/IP on a primarily Microsoft Windows-based local area network (LAN).
Common skills that a network technician uses to do their job include "customer service," "switches," and "troubleshoot." You can find details on the most important network technician responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a network technician to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what network technicians do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a network technician resume shows how network technicians use analytical skills: "handled remote troubleshooting and support of data communications using ftp and telnet services in support of customer proprietary systems. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling network technician duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a network technician resume, here's how network technicians can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "leverage advanced knowledge of ethernet, tcp/ip, ftp and other communication protocols. "
Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of network technicians is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday network technician duties, as "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "provided cisco routers support in a wireless lan/lan/wan environment by installing and trouble-shooting network connectivity issues in a multitasking ethernet environment. "
Problem-solving skills. network technician responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This resume example shows what network technicians do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "resolved network connectivity protocols such as smb, ftp. "
The three companies that hire the most network technicians are:
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Compare different network technicians
Network technician vs. Information technology/support technician
An information technology (IT) support technician is an individual who is responsible for providing support and troubleshoots software and hardware problems faced by customers. As for larger organizations that have their own IT department, technicians must work together internally with their IT staff members. IT support technicians are involved in inspecting and resolving minor local area network and wireless network issues, which include TCP/IP, DHCP, and VPN. They are also required to obtain an associate's degree in computer science or related field.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between network technicians and information technology/support technician. For instance, network technician responsibilities require skills such as "routers," "technical support," "pc," and "network infrastructure." Whereas a information technology/support technician is skilled in "desk support," "phone calls," "remote desktop," and "user support." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Information technology/support technicians tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $53,210. In contrast, network technicians make the biggest average salary, $74,915, in the finance industry.information technology/support technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than network technicians. In fact, information technology/support technicians are 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Network technician vs. Technician support tier
A technician support tier focuses on providing technical support to clients or employees within a company. Typically working in a team setting, a technician support tier addresses technical problems and troubleshoots to identify the root of the issues and perform necessary corrective measures or repairs. Their responsibilities also revolve around responding to inquiries, answering calls and correspondence, conducting regular maintenance of systems and networks, maintaining records of all transactions, and supporting software and networks. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all team members while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, network technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "switches," "troubleshoot," "routers," and "lan." Meanwhile, a technician support tier has duties that require skills in areas such as "phone calls," "tier ii," "lan," and "inbound calls." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Technician support tiers earn a lower average salary than network technicians. But technician support tiers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $62,098. Additionally, network technicians earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $74,915 annually.technician support tiers earn similar levels of education than network technicians in general. They're 3.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for network technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Ming Chow
Associate Teaching Professor, Tufts University
References:
1. cybersecurity
2. cybersecurity
Network technician vs. Information technology technician
An information technology technician, also known as an IT technician, is responsible for ensuring that all computer systems in a company or organization are running smoothly and efficiently. Their duties primarily revolve around installing and maintaining systems, including software and hardware, and resolving any issues. They also provide technical support such as troubleshooting, navigation, and even system upgrades. Furthermore, an information technology technician can choose whether to work for a company or independently.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, network technicians are more likely to have skills like "routers," "lan wan," "pc," and "san." But a information technology technician is more likely to have skills like "desk support," "java," "remote desktop," and "pcs."
Information technology technicians earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $66,881. Network technicians earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $74,915.Most information technology technicians achieve a similar degree level compared to network technicians. For example, they're 2.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Network technician vs. Information systems technician
An information systems technician is responsible for maintaining the efficiency of various network systems' performance. Information systems technicians provide network troubleshooting, upgrading systems for optimization, maintaining the security of databases, managing the interaction of networks, and inspecting and troubleshooting system inconsistencies. Additional duties include creating network designs based on clients' specifications, configuring software and hardware applications, and creating reports on system issues and resolutions. An information systems technician must have excellent knowledge of information systems procedures, programming languages, detecting malfunctions, and making resolutions promptly.
Types of network technician
Updated January 8, 2025
