How To Become A Wireless Network Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a wireless network engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

With more companies around the world adopting the use of Wireless LAN, wireless network engineers have been in higher demand. Your skills need to encompass problem-solving, effective communication, and of course, an in-depth understanding of computer programs and software.

Your duties will include the installation and configuration of wireless network equipment, maintaining the network or providing technical support to clients, managing network security, and staying up to date on industry standards and solutions. Be aware that with the growth of 5G, DevOps, VR, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN), you'll need to have the ability to grow and shift your skills and focus per the needs of your clients.

A wireless network engineer can make between $87,000 - $110,000 a year, depending on whether you're working as a freelancer or a contracted engineer within a company. Employers most often look for a degree in computer science, engineering, or a similar field. Multiple years of experience in LAN/WAN engineering with specific experience with WiFi, WAP, and other wireless systems will almost always be required.

What general advice would you give to a Wireless Network Engineer?

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.*

ScoreWireless Network EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $101,117

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 13.83%

Black or African American 7.94%

Hispanic or Latino 11.66%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.25%

Gender

female 10.27%

male 89.73%

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

6.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.1

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a wireless network engineer

Explore wireless network engineer education requirements

Most common wireless network engineer degrees

Bachelor's

61.3 %

Associate

18.9 %

Master's

13.2 %

Start to develop specific wireless network engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
RF	6.90%
Wireless Network	6.86%
Switches	4.78%
WLAN	4.64%
Lan Wan	4.58%

Complete relevant wireless network engineer training and internships

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

Gain additional wireless network engineer certifications

Wireless network engineer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific wireless network engineer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for wireless network engineers include Network 5 Certification and Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA Wireless).

More About Certifications

Research wireless network engineer duties and responsibilities

Install, configure and manages Centos Linux to support in-house requirements.
Manage local/wide area network, servers, and communications connections to remote locations.
Plan and coordinate VoIP deployments, manage firewall configurations, and assist with structure cable projects.
Assist field technicians with network operation requests such as configuring Cisco manage switches and performing troubleshooting for connectivity issues.

Prepare your wireless network engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your wireless 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 wireless network engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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