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

What is a senior network consulting engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a senior network consulting engineer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $51.57 an hour? That's $107,266 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 senior network consulting engineer?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay

*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.*

ScoreSenior Network Consulting EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.8

Avg. Salary $107,266

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 11.83%

Black or African American 8.42%

Hispanic or Latino 12.13%

Unknown 5.04%

White 62.27%

Gender

female 2.78%

male 97.22%

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 senior network consulting engineer

Explore senior network consulting engineer education requirements

Most common senior network consulting engineer degrees

Bachelor's

67.8 %

Associate

17.5 %

Master's

9.8 %

Start to develop specific senior network consulting engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	12.38%
Project Management	9.13%
Nexus	8.71%
Switches	8.54%
VPN	7.59%

Complete relevant senior network consulting engineer training and internships

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

Research senior network consulting engineer duties and responsibilities

Manage daily operations of installation and maintenance for LAN.
Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.
Configure VZW networks with TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, OSPF, IBGP and EBGP protocols.
Develop design and testing of EIGRP to OSPF migration.

Get senior network consulting engineer experience

Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a senior network consulting engineer. The most common roles before becoming a senior network consulting engineer include senior network engineer, network engineer team lead and network administrator.

Prepare your senior network consulting engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior network consulting engineer resume.

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