What is the Average Network Engineer Salary? Find out Below!
A network engineer is a technology professional who has the necessary skills to plan, implement and oversee the computer networks that support in-house voice, data, video and wireless network services. As computer network designs, network engineers work with a company’s computer network, using information technology to make network systems for all employees to use. These data networks can include local area networks (LANs); wide area networks (WANs), WLANs (wireless local area networks), GANs (global area networks), SANs (small area networks), CANs (cluster area networks), PANs (personal area networks), DANs (desk area networks), VoIP, intranets and extranets. An average salary for network engineer is a standard one in freelance market place as well. The CCNA is a foundational certificate for those seeking a high level networking profession, as well as one of the most highly sought after certifications in the industry as a whole. Professionals in the field may work in a number of allied fields including as a freelancer, which applies to entry-level and veteran engineers as senior network engineer.
Several senior network engineer are available in top freelance marketplace. The profession is one of the most rewarding ones, with engineers getting promoted to other IT positions being the usual practice. Given that a number of certification options is available in addition to relevant degrees, a network engineer may easily redirect the career towards the desired path. The average salary for a senior network engineer is $96,676. This is around 2.9 times more than the median wage of the country. Entry-level positions start at $58,000 while most experienced workers make up to $117,000. Senior Network Engineer salary is highly rewarding as it comes with experience. Freelance marketplace for telecom engineers have proved to be a boon for many professionals ranging from entry level to senior positions.
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Senior Network Engineer Salary Expectations
Median senior network engineer salary is $96,517 per annum. Most professionals have 5+ years of experience in the field, albeit some senior positions require at least 10. Control systems staff engineering is one notable example in that regard.
When it comes to network engineering, there is no lack of senior positions. The profession is one of the most rewarding ones, with engineers getting promoted to other IT positions being the usual practice. Given that a number of certification options is available in addition to relevant degrees, a network engineer may easily redirect the career towards the desired path.
It is IT we are talking about, after all. The sector has seen rapid expansion in last decades and is projected to keep branching further. Ensuring the integrity of network infrastructure nowadays has a whole new meaning to it. It is often the case that network engineers work directly with clients on top of maintaining their usual duties. The category includes company employees as well as customers and, often, suppliers.
Besides, network engineers may choose to work internally or externally. Outsourcing is common practice in the industry, with numerous examples of large IT companies lending support to their clients. A professional in the field may work in a number of related fields, which applies to entry-level and seasoned engineers alike. Some examples include network administration, systems support, security engineering, network architecture, first-line customer support, VoIP and Cisco support.
On top of standard network engineering positions, there is a range of in-house careers to choose from. That isn’t surprising, since freelance engineering calls for in-depth knowledge of diverse network types, including LANS (local area networks), MANs (metropolitan area networks), WANs (wide area networks), WLANs (wireless local area networks), GANs (global area networks), SANs (small area networks), CANs (cluster area networks), PANs (personal area networks), DANs (desk area networks), and VoIP. Cloud computing is also on the rise, making the profession more desirable than ever.
Typical responsibilities of a network engineer include:
- design and implementation of system configuration and new solutions;
- system installation and system standard enforcement;
- maximization of network performance;
- network troubleshooting;
- securing network systems;
- upgrading data network equipment;
- support and administration of firewall environments;
- configuration of routing/switching equipment;
- configuration of IP voice services;
- first-line and remote support;
- capacity management.
Normally, network engineers work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. In this line of work, however, working outside office hours is frequent. There is no saying when something might go wrong, and networks must operate properly around the clock. Therefore, flexibility is what truly defines the finest of network engineering professionals. Knowing this before deciding on future promotions is essential.
Network Engineer Degree
The choice of a proper network engineer degree is of enormous importance, given that numerous positions are to be chosen among. There is no best course of action; engineers should decide based on their preferences.
Most common subjects include computer science, computer systems engineering, computer software engineering, electrical engineering, network security management, computer systems and networks, and even physics.
Network engineer salary does not necessarily depend on the field of study. As explained above, various certifications and further education options are available.
Moreover, since freelance engineering is in its full swing, it is good to know that online degrees are a viable alternative to often costly certification programs. Again, there is no recommended course of action, but nearly all online Bachelor’s degrees call for certain prerequisite courses. In most cases, these are calculus and statistics, and often physics.
Common online degree choices include computer networks, computer and information systems, computer design, and computer architecture. Many post-Bachelor’s certificates are also available online. Most popular ones include wireless networks, local area networks, and network management. Finally, online Master’s degree programs are recommended if you’re aiming at a senior position. These cover a number of special topics in network engineering and network security, including cryptography.
For all the certificates to be had, a good network engineer still needs to have a specific mindset and even more specific set of skills not to be learned during formal schooling. An up-to-date knowledge of industry needs is an absolute must; engineers are expected to be familiar with technical demands and customer focus at all times. Outstanding communication skills with people who are unfamiliar with network engineering are also crucial. In most cases, engineers are in charge of communicating technical terms with their colleagues from other branches. Teamwork comes next, and is closely followed by analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. To be sure, being an engineer is not an easy task!
On the other hand, network engineers just might have it best in terms of job offers. With a demand so huge, every professional is guaranteed a job. What’s more, going freelance allows for additional adjustments. Engineers who prefer working remotely or non-standard working hours will have a field day. Project-based work is also abundant. In short, being an engineer is also a rewarding task.
Earning the Desired Network Engineer Salary
To get a step closer to earning your desired network engineer salary, simply take a look at online job offers. Numerous job-listing sites offer engineering jobs, but Field Engineer should be your first choice. The platform has been tremendously successful and has connected tens of thousands engineers with employers from around the world. Simply specify your skill set and upload your credentials to start receiving best job offers daily. It should be that simple, and with Field Engineer it really is.