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What is a networking/software engineer and how to become one
If you like computers and have a talent for designing and building applications, then a vocation as a networking/software engineer can be very rewarding. A networking/software engineer specializes in the design, coding, and installation of software for computer networks. Because so many facets of business and other organizations require the internet or other ways to communicate over a network, networking/software engineers play an important role in helping these organizations maximize their efficiency, productivity, and communications securely.
Network/software engineers are skilled at designing custom software programs, building and installing networking software, implementing network security measures, analyzing existing networking software and streamlining such software, as well as ensuring regulatory compliance. Network/software engineers can work either in an office environment, or remotely in some cases, and are also responsible for training new software users, writing documentation of software, and providing updates and reports to other business units and upper management. Individuals in this field possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, sufficient knowledge of networking software tools and programming languages, and should be able to work under strict deadlines.
The majority of individuals in this field hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field; however, an advanced degree is not critical if an individual has applicable technical knowledge, training, and practical experience. Most networking/software engineers make an average of $48 an hour, or $99,000 a year. Projected US job growth for this field is projected at 5% by 2028. For example, did you know that they make an average of $47.64 an hour? That's $99,087 a year!
What general advice would you give to a networking/software engineer?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Avg. Salary $116,190
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%
Asian 14.09%
Black or African American 7.81%
Hispanic or Latino 11.79%
Unknown 5.02%
White 60.98%
Genderfemale 13.15%
male 86.85%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Networking/software engineer career paths
Key steps to become a networking/software engineer
Explore networking/software engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific networking/software engineer skills
Skills Percentages Java 15.47% Python 12.16% Linux 6.43% Software Development 5.79% Tcp Ip 5.50% Complete relevant networking/software engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New networking/software 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 networking/software engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real networking/software engineer resumes.Research networking/software engineer duties and responsibilities
- Lead testing the component integration test for WMR software on the remote test beds for simulating on UNIX solaria systems.
- Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
- Create Mysql database backup system in Java programming language.
- Design, coding and debugging of QoS (class-map, policy-map) in ZebOS and relate to CLIs on Linux.
Prepare your networking/software engineer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your networking/software engineer resume.
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Apply for networking/software engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a networking/software 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 did you land your first networking/software engineer job
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Average networking/software engineer salary
The average networking/software engineer salary in the United States is $116,190 per year or $56 per hour. Networking/software engineer salaries range between $88,000 and $152,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do networking/software engineers rate their job?
Networking/software engineer reviews
Work from home, reasonable salary and benefits
Repetitive work. Training is on the job mostly.
Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set
Still have to deal with people :)
I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface
I didn't like how technical it could become
Updated January 8, 2025
