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

What is a senior network specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

The average senior network specialist salary is $88,756. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an electrical engineering major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a senior network specialist. Senior network specialists with a CCNP Service Provider Operations (CCNP) certification earn more money. 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 specialist?

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 SpecialistUS Average

Salary

6.9

Avg. Salary $88,756

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 12.89%

Black or African American 8.29%

Hispanic or Latino 12.00%

Unknown 5.03%

White 61.48%

Gender

female 14.81%

male 85.19%

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 specialist

Explore senior network specialist education requirements

Most common senior network specialist degrees

Bachelor's

59.0 %

Associate

18.7 %

Master's

15.7 %

Start to develop specific senior network specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Switches	4.60%
Servers	4.16%
OSPF	3.81%
Network Infrastructure	3.72%
Network Systems	3.71%

Complete relevant senior network specialist training and internships

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

Research senior network specialist duties and responsibilities

Manage and supervise the upgrade and implementation of the hospital SAN configuration.
Manage software updates, OS patches and security policies for windows domain controller.
Configure and manage patch deployments and virus software (McAfee) for server and workstations.
Manage and execute the installation, configuration, testing, monitoring and troubleshooting various equipment, workstations, circuits and networks.

Get senior network specialist experience

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

Prepare your senior network specialist resume

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

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior network specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable senior network specialist resume templates

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