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What is a specialist network engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Laura Kier
The average specialist network engineer salary is $90,468. 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 specialist network engineer. Specialist network engineers with a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 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 specialist network engineer?

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.
ScoreSpecialist Network EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.1

Avg. Salary $90,468

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 11.86%

Black or African American 8.87%

Hispanic or Latino 12.56%

Unknown 5.08%

White 61.32%

Gender

female 18.69%

male 81.31%

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

Specialist network engineer career paths

Key steps to become a specialist network engineer

  1. Explore specialist network engineer education requirements

    Most common specialist network engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    53.9 %

    Associate

    28.2 %

    Master's

    9.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific specialist network engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Technical Support7.84%
    Database7.43%
    VoIP6.84%
    PC5.89%
    Switches4.30%
  3. Complete relevant specialist network engineer training and internships

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

    • Utilize advanced encryption devices to secure communications between all locations manage by the department.
    • Design and implement first LAN/WAN environment including installing and configuring routers, switches, servers, and workstations.
    • Support MPLS backbone, including QOS.
    • WAN network design and implementation using Cisco ISR routers.
  5. Prepare your specialist network engineer resume

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

    Build a professional specialist network 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 specialist network engineer resume.
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
    Specialist Network Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for specialist network engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a specialist network 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 specialist network engineer job

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Average specialist network engineer salary

The average specialist network engineer salary in the United States is $90,468 per year or $43 per hour. Specialist network engineer salaries range between $69,000 and $116,000 per year.

Average specialist network engineer salary
$90,468 Yearly
$43.49 hourly

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Specialist network 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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