Career Overview
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Also Known As
- Computer Network Technologist
- Network Analyst
- Solutions Architect
- Systems Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Network Engineer
- Computer Network Analyst
- Computer Network Engineer
- Computer Network Technologist
- Data Communications Analyst
- Enterprise Architect
- Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
- IT Analyst (Information Technology Analyst)
- IT Network Engineer (Information Technology Network Engineer)
- Network Analyst
- Network Architect
- Network Computer Consultant
- Network Consultant
- Network Control Analyst
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Develop disaster recovery plans.
- Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
- Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
- Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
- Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
- Coordinate installation of new equipment.
- Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Writing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Category Flexibility
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe After Effects
- AJAX
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Ansible software
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
Tools & Equipment
- Asynchronous transfer mode ATM analyzers
- Backup servers
- Bit error rate testers BERT
- Broadband aggregation equipment
- Cable analyzers
- Cable qualification testers
- Channel banks
- Communication cable testers
- Computer network routers
- Computer network switches
- Desktop computers
- Domain name servers DNS
- Fiber optic power meters
- File servers
- Firewall equipment
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Spend Time Sitting
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $79,520 |
| Median | $130,390 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $198,030 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 177,010
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Computer Network Support Specialists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $73,340
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $96,800
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $108,970
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $130,390
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.