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What is a wide area network 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 wide area network engineer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $46.64 an hour? That's $97,020 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 wide area network 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.*
ScoreWide Area Network EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $97,020

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 8.73%

Black or African American 9.06%

Hispanic or Latino 12.74%

Unknown 5.10%

White 64.07%

Gender

female 8.77%

male 91.23%

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 wide area network engineer

  1. Explore wide area network engineer education requirements

    Most common wide area network engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    44.1 %

    Associate

    35.3 %

    Master's

    14.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific wide area network engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Lan13.62%
    Network Management12.74%
    Switches12.56%
    Linux7.41%
    VPN7.15%
  3. Complete relevant wide area network engineer training and internships

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

    • Design, manage, and deploy firewalls, switches, routers, and servers.
    • Manage setup of isolation LAN (DMZ) to enable both accessible and secure inter-network.
    • Manage network access of satellite offices and clients in ATM, frame relay, ISDN and VPN environments.
    • Manage the F5 BigIP GTM/LTM appliances to include writing iRules, SSL offload and everyday task of creating WIP and VIPs.
  5. Apply for wide area network engineer jobs

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

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Average wide area network engineer salary

The average wide area network engineer salary in the United States is $97,020 per year or $47 per hour. Wide area network engineer salaries range between $67,000 and $138,000 per year.

Average wide area network engineer salary
$97,020 Yearly
$46.64 hourly

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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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