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What is a senior network support 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 support engineer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $54.61 an hour? That's $113,596 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 support engineer?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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 Support EngineerUS Average
Salary
8.0

Avg. Salary $113,596

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 13.73%

Black or African American 7.89%

Hispanic or Latino 11.61%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.46%

Gender

female 12.45%

male 87.55%

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

Senior network support engineer career paths

Key steps to become a senior network support engineer

  1. Explore senior network support engineer education requirements

    Most common senior network support engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    62.8 %

    Associate

    17.9 %

    Master's

    9.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior network support engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Switches5.19%
    Routers5.02%
    Network Support4.69%
    Network Troubleshooting4.63%
    IPSEC3.94%
  3. Complete relevant senior network support engineer training and internships

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

    • Manage firewall and security issues, including researching, analyzing and reporting technical information regarding information security issues.
    • Experience in configuring and troubleshooting of OSPF and EIGRP.
    • Create, modify and implement ACL's on routers and switches.
    • Diagnose, troubleshoot and repair servers, desktops, laptops, switches, routers, hubs and printers.
  5. Get senior network support engineer experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a senior network support engineer. The most common roles before becoming a senior network support engineer include network engineer, senior network engineer team lead and network technician.
  6. Prepare your senior network support engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior network support engineer 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 support engineer 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 support engineer resume templates

    Build a professional senior network support engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior network support engineer resume.
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    Senior Network Support Engineer Resume
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    Senior Network Support Engineer Resume
    Senior Network Support Engineer Resume
  7. Apply for senior network support engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior network support engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior network support engineer job

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Average senior network support engineer salary

The average senior network support engineer salary in the United States is $113,596 per year or $55 per hour. Senior network support engineer salaries range between $88,000 and $145,000 per year.

Average senior network support engineer salary
$113,596 Yearly
$54.61 hourly

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Senior network support engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

talking to people

Cons

outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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