Network Engineer Pay and Qualifications

Network Engineer Pay and QualificationsNetwork Engineer Pay and QualificationsSimilar to a few other hot IT positions, such as software engineers and web developers, network engineers are in high demand.In fact, the engineer job is one of just a few IT positions where candidates are hardest to find, and that generates strong demand.Firms are seeking these masters-of-all-things-networking because networks have become increasingly complicated as technology has grown and advanced. Here are some of the projects a network engineer could work on, depending on the job and companySystem konzeption An engineer will consider the layout of a building, security and budget to create a network design. If a company has multiple buildings, the engineer has to design a wide area network (WAN).Maintain computer network Network engineers make sure communication and resource sharing is possible between all devices in a network, such as computers and printers, as well as enable Internet connections. The y must design an efficient system with quick connections and limited downtime. They also work with users, vendors (an netz service provider, for example) to maintain networks.Oversee implementation Network engineers have to be good project managers. Once the system is designed, theyll either implement the network themselves, or oversee others who implement it.Stay current An engineer needs to be up to date on technology to make sure the companys technology is current.Network engineer salaryIts no surprise given the demand for these IT professionals that, according to the 2019 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide, the midpoint salary for network engineers is $108,750.You can use our Salary Calculator to adjust an entry-level network engineer salary for your city.Interested in becoming a network engineer? Keep in mind that an engineer who spends more time designing networks will have a job description closer to a network architect, while one who spends most of their time troubleshootin g and solving day-to-day network issues will have a job description similar to a network administrator. Heres a broad list of qualificationsBe detail-oriented and have in-depth knowledge of networking hardware and softwareHave five or more years of experience in areas such as network design and implementation, LAN/WAN interfacing, security, Internet protocols and TCP/IP, and server and network infrastructureHave a bachelors degree in computer science or electrical engineeringA professional certification, such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), also is highly desirableA typical network engineer job title includesEngineering enterprise data, voice and video networksEstablishing and operating network test facilitiesMaintaining a secure transfer of data to multiple locations via internal and external networksWorking with vendors, clients, carriers and technical staff on network implementation, optimization and ongoing managementProviding high-level support and technical expe rtise in networking technology, including LAN/WAN hardware, hubs, bridges and routersCommunication skills are key to success for a network engineerAside from technical skills, the ability to communicate with non-technical people at work is essential Network engineers deal with everyone in a company, and if they arent able to communicate effectively, they wont be able to grow into senior-level positions.In addition, recent college graduates conducting a job search to break into the field should get certified Companies will take a risk on candidates who may not have as much experience, but have their Cisco Certified Network Associate designation. They may start you in an entry-level help desk position, which is a great training ground, but you wont be there long.In addition to information on a starting network engineer salary and job description, youll find information on starting compensation for 70 IT jobs in 150 North American cities in our Salary Guide.This post has been updated t o reflect more current information.