Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
Job outlook for network engineers in the United States
Network engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected network engineer job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 18,200 new jobs for network engineers are projected over the next decade.
Network engineer salaries have increased 9% for network engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 168,129 network engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 72,346 active network engineer job openings in the US.
The average network engineer salary is $83,557.
Are network engineer jobs in demand?
Network Engineer job and salary trends over time
Network Engineer jobs over time
Network Engineer job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 168,129 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 205,657 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 96,363 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 82,464 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 84,407 | 0.03% |
Average network engineer salary over time
Network Engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $83,557 | $40.17 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $80,804 | $38.85 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $78,974 | $37.97 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $78,060 | $37.53 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $76,712 | $36.88 | +2.4% |
Network Engineer jobs by state
Most common states for network engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 485 | 70% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,379 | 28% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,337 | 22% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 998 | 18% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 121 | 16% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 821 | 12% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 357 | 12% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 120 | 12% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 72 | 12% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 810 | 11% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 453 | 11% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 118 | 9% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,346 | 8% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 536 | 8% |
| 15 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 390 | 8% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 159 | 8% |
| 17 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 119 | 8% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 81 | 8% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 238 | 7% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 42 | 7% |
Most common cities for network engineers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 31 | 79% | $82,220 |
| 2 | Columbia | 30 | 30% | $82,086 |
| 3 | Washington | 79 | 12% | $81,326 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 32 | 7% | $73,140 |
| 5 | Tampa | 28 | 7% | $71,419 |
| 6 | Fremont | 17 | 7% | $113,232 |
| 7 | Colorado Springs | 27 | 6% | $77,052 |
| 8 | Denver | 34 | 5% | $77,098 |
| 9 | San Diego | 44 | 3% | $98,223 |
| 10 | Boston | 22 | 3% | $84,392 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 21 | 3% | $82,268 |
| 12 | Dallas | 28 | 2% | $75,490 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 26 | 2% | $86,661 |
| 14 | New York | 45 | 1% | $83,638 |
| 15 | Chicago | 36 | 1% | $75,002 |
| 16 | Houston | 22 | 1% | $78,314 |
| 17 | San Antonio | 18 | 1% | $79,285 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 17 | 0% | $104,076 |
Network Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of network engineer experts
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Weber State University
California State University - East Bay
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Wayne State University
Medaille College
University of Washington
Bakersfield College
Portland State University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
University of New Hampshire
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Northeastern University
Indiana University Bloomington
Kennesaw State University
Idaho State University
Pennsylvania State University - Great Valley
What general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Richard Davis: Likes: Engineers often enjoy working on cutting-edge technologies and solving challenging problems. For example, a biomedical engineer might find satisfaction in developing a new prosthetic limb that improves a patient's quality of life. The sense of accomplishment from seeing their designs come to life or their solutions implemented successfully can be gratifying. Engineers typically enjoy working in collaborative teams, where they can bounce ideas off colleagues. Engineering offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the world, whether it is through developing life-saving medical devices, improving infrastructure, or creating sustainable energy solutions. Dislikes: Like any profession, engineering has its share of challenges. It can sometimes involve long hours, especially when deadlines are approaching or projects hit unexpected roadblocks. Dealing with technical challenges and troubleshooting can be frustrating and mentally taxing, mainly when solutions are elusive. Depending on the industry and specific role, engineers may encounter bureaucracy or red tape that slows down project progress. Engineers may also face ethical dilemmas, such as balancing cost-effectiveness with safety or environmental concerns, which can be challenging to navigate.
What general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Megumi Usui: Many individuals aspire to earn a substantial salary right from the beginning of their careers. However, this is not typically how the professional world operates. it is essential to demonstrate to your employer that you are a skilled, valuable, and irreplaceable asset. This process takes time and dedication. Avoid pressuring your employer for immediate rewards based solely on self-perception. While family may view you as exceptional, in the professional realm, you must distinguish yourself through your actions. Prove your worth by consistently arriving on time, working diligently, completing tasks swiftly and accurately, and exceeding expectations. Take a proactive approach to your projects and strive to impress your employer in every conceivable way. Continuously acquiring new skills that are valuable to the company is crucial. Additionally, building a strong network within your field by making professional connections and fostering friendships can significantly enhance your career prospects. By embodying these qualities, you can effectively demonstrate your value and potentially achieve the financial and professional rewards you seek.
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science and Computer EngineeringCalifornia State University - East Bay
Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications
What general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *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.*
What Network Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *Favor:*
*Variety: Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for problem-solving.*
*Demand: The field offers strong job growth and stability.*
*Impact: Your work ensures businesses and organizations remain connected and operational.*
*Learning: There's always something new to learn with emerging technologies.*
*Dislike:*
*Troubleshooting: Issues can be complex and take a lot of time to resolve.*
*On-call: Network problems can occur at any time, requiring on-call availability.*
*Pressure: Maintaining network uptime can be stressful, especially during critical periods.*
*Keeping Up-to-Date: Rapid technological changes necessitate continuous learning.*
What will help Network Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.: *Computer Networking Engineers are crucial in designing, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex networks. They need strong technical skills, analytical abilities, and strategic thinking to ensure smooth network operations.*
*A bit more detailed explanation of the Computer Networking Engineers responsibility:*
*Designing and Implementing Networks: This essential task involves creating new networks or significantly upgrading existing ones. It includes understanding organizational requirements, planning capacity, selecting the right hardware and software, and configuring these components for optimal performance and security.*
*Network Automation: Engineers automate routine tasks using scripting languages like Python or tools such as Cisco automation software. This automation not only saves time but also ensures consistent configurations.*
*Troubleshooting Complex Issues: They tackle intricate network problems by analyzing traffic patterns, identifying bottlenecks, optimizing performance, and resolving complex connectivity or security issues.*
*Staying Updated with Technology: As the networking field evolves rapidly, engineers must keep up with new technologies, emerging security threats, and best practices through conferences, online forums, and continuous learning.*
Dr. Darshika Perera Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Computer Engineering
What Network Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Darshika Perera Ph.D.: Most of our computer engineering students at UCCS get job offers before they graduate with salaries ranging from $80k to $110k. Students should go for industry internships before graduating to familiarize themselves with industry settings and boost their career as well as salary potential. Students should emphasize their technical skills and know-how gained throughout their computer engineering degree program, demonstrate how those skills differentiate from other degree programs (such as computer science) and match with the expertise that companies are looking for, and highlight how they can be a valuable asset to the company to maximize their salary potential when seeking careers in this field.
What general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: Systems Engineering is a contact sport. As a systems engineer you are expected to be a leader.
Successful systems engineers are those who get out of their office and engage with other
engineers and technicians who work on complex systems. On any given day, systems engineers
could be working on a team, possibly leading that team, in one of the several phases of the
design and development effort. They may be working with stakeholders to determine their
requirements for the complex system or they may be working with validation test engineers to
determine if the complex system will satisfy the stakeholders needs.
While it would be expected that you are very knowledgeable in a few discipline areas, such as
electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering, you are not expected to be an expert in all
areas. However, you would be expected to know the experts in those fields and others and
how they should be involved in the overall development process. You would be expected to
understand the many processes of systems engineering and how each process contributes to
the success of the complex system.
You would also be expected to thoroughly understand any other systems and the operational
environment that will interface and interact with your system. As a systems engineer, you
would be expected to understand the big picture of the complex system.
What will help Network Engineers increase their earning potential?
Don Gelosh Ph.D.: There is a great demand for those who can understand the big picture as well as knowing the
smallest detail in the development and delivery of complex systems. It is very important that
everyone involved in the engineering of complex systems works from the same requirements
and understands the intended operational environment. Systems engineers facilitate this
common understanding of the target system, interconnected systems and the operational
environment.
Today's advanced technology and systems that utilize that technology are increasingly
becoming more complex and more challenging to develop and deliver. This requires a different
type of engineer, one who has both in-depth technical knowledge and leadership skills.
Systems engineers who understand these requirements and can deliver successful complex
systems will always be in demand.
Laura Kier
Network Design and Administration InstructorWhat general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Laura Kier: 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.
What Network Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laura Kier: Computer Networking is a dynamic field with a wide variety of opportunities in many different industries. Some skills that will be more important in general are skills in software defined networking and automation. Skills in the DevOps field will be necessary, as well as skills leveraging AI tools. Cybersecurity is always important and using AI tools to enhance security and monitoring is necessary.
What will help Network Engineers increase their earning potential?
Laura Kier: Learn to present your skills well from the interview and into your career. Those communication skills count! Industry certifications like CCNA matter. They help you demonstrate a willingness to grow and learn beyond what was required for your degree. Be willing to take on new challenges with your new job and keep learning new skills. It is really important for graduates to understand that talented IT professionals can move up quickly in a company, but they often must start at the bottom to showcase their technical and soft skills. Because of that, they should not shy away from entry level jobs if there is potential for growth.
Dr. Nabil Sarhan Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWayne State University
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
What will help Network Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nabil Sarhan Ph.D.: The graduates can increase their earning potential by obtaining master's degrees or certificates based on the current market needs. These qualifications are expected to become increasingly more important because of the rising competition in the marketplace.
Dr. Steven MacMartin
Director, Associate ProfessorMedaille College
Homeland Security Program
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Network Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Overall, in general? Health care, elementary school teachers, daycare, researchers at the PhD level and also low level, entry/service jobs - fast food, restaurant, bar, etc. Homeland Security specifically - really none. Jobs in the Homeland Security field have remained largely unaffected by the pandemic, and the pandemic isn't really directly related to specific Homeland Security jobs. (Maybe in the research and technology fields.). A side effect of the pandemic has been to focus a little on cyber security issues and those jobs could expand in law enforcement and Homeland Security areas.
What soft skills should all Network Engineers possess?
Dr. Steven MacMartin: Absolutely - writing and oral presentation. A secondary skill that is helpful is academic research skills. But definitely writing skills.
What type of skills will young Network Engineers need?
Les Atlas: With an expected increase in mobility, companies will have a larger pool of employees to search over and interview. Potentially orders of magnitude more. Searches for employees need not be regional. Thus, if a specific specialization is needed, the pool of applicants, which will likely come from a search over a large region, state-wide or larger, or even international.
Thus specializations will become more important, both in terms of depth and fit to the needs of an employer. Advanced graduate degrees will become more necessary. It seems very likely that filed which help understand data for epidemiology and disease forecasting and geographical hotspots will continue to be especially pertinent.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Network Engineers?
Les Atlas: Most certainly an impact, a very strong impact. The best lesson for us is from the 1919 Spanish Flu pandemic. That strain of flu still circulates as a seasonal virus. Over 100 years laters, it is now considered a Phase 6 pandemic by the World Health Organization. While it is reduced due to current social distancing and mask wearing, the 1919 Spanish Flu virus still causes community-level outbreaks in multiple parts of the globe. Societal changes from this event of over 100 years ago are still with us.
In fact, they changed society. As is well-documented, after a high level of immunity was reached in the 1920's, the resulting labor shortage enabled workers to demand better living and working conditions, as well as better wages and public health care. As just one example of the societal changes due to the 1919 pandemic, the drop in the male labor force empowered male workers, and also changed the gender composition.
The aftermath of the 1919 pandemic was the start of women joining the labour force. In the United States, the proportion of women in the labour force rose from 18 per cent in 1900 to almost 21 per cent in 1920. In that same year, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment of the Constitution, the Congress of the United States guaranteed all American women the right to vote.
The current COVID-19 pandemic will certainly change the way we live, be it our mobility or the kinds of career options people have. After our current year-long experience in remote learning and work, will we go back to the inefficiencies of going to our office every work day? Or will remote work be acceptable, where one's residence will not be dependent upon the locations of employment. Will we avoid future hotspots of infection, choosing to instead reside and travel in areas where infection is decreasing? Will we prefer to travel on aircraft which are certified to be virus-free and frequent restaurants which are documented to be safer? Future marketing will likely make a sharp turn in this direction.
What experience really stands out on Network Engineer resumes?
Les Atlas: The most obvious experience, in terms of being timely, is work with the science and data interpretation from the current pandemic. Epidemiology and statistics, computer science, and data science for data from the COVID-19 epidemic and similar public health data will remain on the forefront. In the many other areas of technology, having up to date skills, with advanced degrees, combined with the ability to work anywhere in the world, not by traveling, but instead remotely, will likely fit most future positions.
What general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Maryam Farahani: Thinking about the fields they want to experience or try. And to be intentional about their job search. The best advice is learning as much as they can about what company offers. Visualizing themselves in the next 5 years as a starting point. Do they want to travel a lot, or be in management positions? Do they want to be subject matter expert, or a hands-on engineer or technologist? Their goal may change as they progress in their career but having one makes a big difference in their career choices and keeping them on track.
Dr. Wayne Wakeland Ph.D.
Professor and Systems Science Program ChairPortland State University
Systems science program
What Network Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Wayne Wakeland Ph.D.: For analyst positions, I think that employers want to hire people with strong data analysis skills, which, of course, includes statistics, but also big data, machine learning (algorithms), computer-based modeling, and programming. And, in addition to these apparently rather specialized skills, there is growing recognition that a talent for thinking, communicating, and problem-solving in a very general sense, and being able to cope with/address complexity, is also quite important.
Dr. T.S. Kalkur
Department ChairUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
What experience really stands out on Network Engineer resumes?
Dr. T.S. Kalkur: Internship experience and tools used in design.
Marc Lessard
ProfessorUniversity of New Hampshire
Physics and Astronomy Department and Space Science Center
What experience really stands out on Network Engineer resumes?
Marc Lessard: Students who have been significantly involved in research projects have a distinct advantage over those who haven't. Those who began such work (which is typically paid) as sophomores or juniors often will have played a significant role in these real-world research efforts, which can be very different than what might be tackled as part of a capstone project.
Written and oral presentation skills are also essential!
What type of skills will young Network Engineers need?
Marc Lessard: This is a very good and important question. Graduates who can address complex problems in creative ways will be the most successful. This might sound obvious, but there seems to be a trend developing where younger engineers tend to want to follow written procedures or instructions for solving problems.
What is more valuable, of course, is being able to use a broad-based background to provide new and creative solutions, or at least to suggest new ideas and engage in discussions to further develop those ideas. The cliche of "thinking outside the box" will always be important.
Austin McCoy
Director of Javelina Engineering Student Success CenterTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Network Engineer resumes?
Austin McCoy:
-Internship/co-op experience -Research experience
-Good leadership skills and involvement on campus and in the community and activities where the individual works as part of a team.
-Well written resume can tell a lot about the technical writing skill; a resume needs to be clean and comfortable to read; recruiters can find what they are looking for easily.
-Less is sometimes more because students sometimes will put more information on a resume than is pertinent to the position applying for.
What general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Laura A. Meyer M. Ed.: I tell my students often do not give up! Resilience is so important right now and with that comes being mindful about how they are applying to positions and to what positions they are applying. Really crafting their resumes and cover letters for each position they are applying is very important. Also, stay sharp - keep honing your skills and be consistent about doing so.
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems EngineeringIndiana University Bloomington
Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering
What Network Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.: I recommend enhancing skills in data analytics, if a graduate lacks such skills. Revitalizing business practices by analyzing user or inventory data is an integral part of almost all business applications. Hence, skills in data analytics will give a graduate an edge in the changing job market. Data analytics comes in various flavors: from gathering simple statistics to advanced machine learning. Hence, a graduate can always improve their skill from freely available online lectures, online classes such as Coursera, or on-ramp classes offered by many universities.
What general advice would you give to a Network Engineer?
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.: Look for a job that you would enjoy doing, even if it takes some time to find such a position. Internships are great to explore various options.
What experience really stands out on Network Engineer resumes?
Adeel Khalid Ph.D.: It is the age of diversity. A graduate can stand out when their resume shows a broad portfolio of experiences. In addition to a solid academic record, students who demonstrate that they can take on challenging tasks and work beyond a degree's basic requirements are more likely to be successful. I advise students to get involved in various activities, including undergraduate research projects, student design competitions, student organizations, internships, co-ops, etc. All of these should be highlighted on the resume. When a recruiter sees an overview of a student that shows relevant work experience in the form of work-study, internships, or co-op or research, their resume automatically comes to the top of the pile.
Vince Bowen
Executive Director, Department Chair Energy Systems Technology & Education Center (ESTEC)Idaho State University
College of Technology
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Network Engineers to find work opportunities?
Vince Bowen: Any large city will have several openings. Beyond that, these people can work anywhere in the world.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Network Engineers?
Nil Ergin Ph.D.: The pandemic disrupts all systems. With disruptions, new forms of services, delivery formats, and jobs will emerge. One overall result of the epidemic is that tech companies consider allowing employees to work remotely, beyond the end of the pandemic. Emerging work from the home norm will enable companies to hire a diverse and distributed workforce and compete for technical talent nationwide. This will also create a demand for IT capabilities and create a network of shared workspaces. Graduates need to diversify their skill sets to adapt and be agile to new forms of change.