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

What is a senior network manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Laura Kier

Senior network managers are IT professionals who provide technical expertise in installing and maintaining computer network systems for an organization. They use network security detection tools to identify and counter vulnerabilities and intrusions on all network assets. They analyze and resolve issues to ensure system availability. Also, they put security measures in place like installing firewalls and anti-virus solutions to ensure the organization's networks are well secured. Senior network managers collaborate with a team of network engineers to design, implement, and establish network infrastructure.

Senior network managers are employed by telecommunication, health care, and technology companies. Employers require at least a bachelor's degree in a related discipline and at least four years of networking experience. Skills like communication, analytical, and problem-solving are essential for success in this position. These professionals earn a whopping sum of $115,395 yearly, which is about $55.48 per hour. It varies from $86,000 to $154,000.

What general advice would you give to a senior network manager?

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.

ScoreSenior Network ManagerUS Average

Salary

8.1

Avg. Salary $117,440

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 9.04%

Black or African American 8.95%

Hispanic or Latino 12.63%

Unknown 5.09%

White 63.97%

Gender

female 16.38%

male 83.62%

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 manager

Explore senior network manager education requirements

Most common senior network manager degrees

Bachelor's

64.2 %

Master's

16.2 %

Associate

15.9 %

Start to develop specific senior network manager skills

Skills	Percentages
SR	9.28%
Network Management	7.85%
Project Management	7.75%
Provider Network	4.36%
Contract Negotiations	4.18%

Complete relevant senior network manager training and internships

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

Research senior network manager duties and responsibilities

Implement and manage Linux external DNS server.
Manage SAN environment - primarily EMC with NetApp and IBM.
Implement and manage global security initiatives deploying IPSEC, GetVPN and SSL technologies to PCI standards.
Manage mail servers, dial-up servers, make internic changes, DNS changes, maintain DNS severs.

Get senior network manager experience

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

Prepare your senior network manager resume

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