Network Engineer: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Network Engineers earn a national median of $96,800/yr with -4.2% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Computers and Electronics, English Language, Customer and Personal Service.

Median Salary

$96,800

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

-4.2%

Declining

Employed Nationally

318,570

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Network Engineer

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Network Engineer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Reading Comprehension 2 Critical Thinking 3 Judgment and Decision Making 4 Systems Analysis 5 Active Listening 6 Monitoring 7 Complex Problem Solving 8 Troubleshooting 9 Systems Evaluation 10 Programming

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Network Engineer performance, based on verified occupational data.

Computers and Electronics English Language Customer and Personal Service Engineering and Technology Telecommunications

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Network Engineer roles.

Amazon Web Services AWS software Ansible software Atlassian JIRA Bash Firewall software Linux Microsoft Active Directory Microsoft Azure software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow -4.2% for Network Engineer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's declining compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
318,570
Projected Growth
-4.2%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Network Engineer do?
Network Engineers apply expertise in Computers and Electronics, English Language, Customer and Personal Service to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.
How much does a Network Engineer make?
The national median salary for a Network Engineer is $96,800 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Network Engineer a good career in 2026?
Employment for Network Engineer roles is projected to grow -4.2% over the 2024–2034 decade — declining compared to all occupations. There are currently 318,570 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Network Engineer?
The typical entry-level education for a Network Engineer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Network Engineers need?
The most important skills for Network Engineer roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis, Active Listening, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Troubleshooting, Systems Evaluation, Programming. Key tools and technologies include: Amazon Web Services AWS software, Ansible software, Atlassian JIRA, Bash, Firewall software.

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Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.