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Job outlook for senior network managers in the United States
Senior network manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior network manager job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 18,200 new jobs for senior network managers are projected over the next decade.
Senior network manager salaries have increased 9% for senior network managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 28,154 senior network managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 26,889 active senior network manager job openings in the US.
The average senior network manager salary is $117,440.
Are senior network manager jobs in demand?
Senior network manager job and salary trends over time
Senior network manager jobs over time
Senior network manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 28,154 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 47,695 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 21,495 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 17,778 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 18,205 | 0.01% |
Average senior network manager salary over time
Senior network manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $117,440 | $56.46 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $113,570 | $54.60 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $110,999 | $53.37 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $109,714 | $52.75 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $107,820 | $51.84 | +2.4% |
Senior network manager jobs by state
Most common states for senior network managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 264 | 38% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,158 | 14% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 752 | 12% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 84 | 11% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 47 | 8% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 394 | 7% |
| 7 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 93 | 7% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 152 | 5% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 63 | 5% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 52 | 5% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 42 | 5% |
| 12 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 27 | 5% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 380 | 4% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 290 | 4% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 287 | 4% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 175 | 4% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 130 | 4% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 116 | 4% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 82 | 4% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 43 | 4% |
Most common cities for senior network managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $114,963 |
| 2 | Des Moines | 6 | 3% | $99,892 |
| 3 | Hartford | 4 | 3% | $124,223 |
| 4 | Topeka | 4 | 3% | $100,760 |
| 5 | Lansing | 3 | 3% | $105,714 |
| 6 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $135,577 |
| 7 | Sacramento | 5 | 1% | $167,843 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $103,228 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $110,220 |
| 10 | Glendale | 2 | 1% | $158,448 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $99,298 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $120,187 |
| 13 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $115,697 |
| 14 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $106,260 |
| 15 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $158,225 |
| 16 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $119,556 |
| 17 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $112,159 |
| 18 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $116,115 |
Senior Network Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior network manager experts
California State University - East Bay
Loyola University Chicago
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science and Computer EngineeringCalifornia State University - East Bay
Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications
What general advice would you give to a Senior Network Manager?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *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.*
What will help Senior Network Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *Computer Networking Engineers are crucial in designing, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex networks. They need strong technical skills, analytical abilities, and strategic thinking to ensure smooth network operations.*
*A bit more detailed explanation of the Computer Networking Engineers responsibility:*
*Designing and Implementing Networks: This essential task involves creating new networks or significantly upgrading existing ones. It includes understanding organizational requirements, planning capacity, selecting the right hardware and software, and configuring these components for optimal performance and security.*
*Network Automation: Engineers automate routine tasks using scripting languages like Python or tools such as Cisco automation software. This automation not only saves time but also ensures consistent configurations.*
*Troubleshooting Complex Issues: They tackle intricate network problems by analyzing traffic patterns, identifying bottlenecks, optimizing performance, and resolving complex connectivity or security issues.*
*Staying Updated with Technology: As the networking field evolves rapidly, engineers must keep up with new technologies, emerging security threats, and best practices through conferences, online forums, and continuous learning.*
Laura Kier
Network Design and Administration InstructorWhat general advice would you give to a Senior Network Manager?
Laura Kier: 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.
What Senior Network Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laura Kier: Computer Networking is a dynamic field with a wide variety of opportunities in many different industries. Some skills that will be more important in general are skills in software defined networking and automation. Skills in the DevOps field will be necessary, as well as skills leveraging AI tools. Cybersecurity is always important and using AI tools to enhance security and monitoring is necessary.
What type of skills will young Senior Network Managers need?
Peter Dordal Ph.D.: I'm leaving off software developers, and answering about our Information Technology graduates.
IT students entering the business world will need to know how to get the maximum leverage out of business systems. In many cases, this will mean writing their own specialized queries to extract the precise business intelligence needed; general-purpose "canned" queries just won't cut it. They will need a broad understanding of what software can accomplish for the enterprise and how to deploy new software effectively; this applies to software used in the office as well as to software used in manufacturing and shipping. And they will need to understand how to lease storage and computing resources from the cloud to meet not only predictable, long-term demands but also sudden short-term business projects.
Students working in database administration and management will need to be able to manage much larger volumes of data than a few years ago. They will need to be familiar with the great variety of new databases in order to pick the best tool for the job.
Students working in network management will need to be able to ensure that everyone has the bandwidth and server access they need, as those demands expand to include extensive video, low-latency real-time connectivity, and the regular transfer of huge amounts of data.
Students in cybersecurity will need to be fully acquainted with all the recommended best practices. However, they will also have to be able to anticipate and guard against potential new vulnerabilities. "By the book" protection is no longer sufficient.