Computer Networking Jobs Are Proliferating. Offering Many Opportunities, This Industry Is Projected To Have An Employment Rate Of Around 5-6% From 2018 To 2028, And The Global Network Management Market Is Expected To Be Worth More Than $11 Billion By 2024, Which Is A Huge Figure.
The industry will need more network professionals than there are today. So be ready to take advantage of the best opportunities in the field of networking.
If you’re looking to find a career in computer networking, you’ll need to answer several questions in your mind, including which networking jobs pay the highest wages. Or in which areas is there more demand? And questions like this.
In the rest of this article, you will get to know the top 5 highest paying jobs in the computer networking industry that can help you on your way to your desired career.
1. Architect of network solutions
Network Solutions Architect is one of the most lucrative jobs in the network industry. Their tasks include designing an efficient and cost-effective network for large organizations and companies. They should also manage and analyze existing networks. A network solutions architect constantly interacts with technology vendors to identify the best strategies and the latest equipment needed for specific business cases.
Usually, network architects should have at least a bachelor’s degree and about 3 to 5 years of experience. Companies often prefer to hire skilled and experienced in software-oriented networking (SDN) and are well-versed in server virtualization technologies, storage, and automation services. Having several network-related certifications will also increase your score in this job market.
- The average annual salary for a Network Solutions Architect is around $105,000 to $115,000.
2. Network programmer
Choosing a network programming job is better if you are one of those people interested in both networking and programming simultaneously. This profession is very prominent in the networking industry. A network programmer writes code and scripts related to network analysis, such as diagnostic and monitoring tools, and develops functions related to servers and the network. The task of configuring and evaluating APIs and integrating new technologies within the existing network structure is also the responsibility of these people.
Companies looking to hire a network programmer are looking for candidates with 1-3 years of programming experience with adequate knowledge of multi-disciplinary programming concepts. Some skills required for this profession are proficiency in C++/C, understanding mathematical concepts, and network protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, etc.). Also, sufficient knowledge of databases and scripting languages is beneficial for this job.
- The average annual income of a network programmer is around $95,000 to $152,000.
3. Wireless network engineer
Wireless Network Engineers are people who install, configure, and maintain wireless network devices. As the adoption rate of wireless devices and cloud computing in the market is increasing rapidly, the demand for hiring skilled professionals who can operate in this field is growing daily. Also, after the expansion and popularization of software-based wide area networks (SD-WAN), the emergence of 5G, and virtualization, wireless network engineers’ role has become more prominent.
Some essential skills required to become a wireless network engineer are thorough familiarity with wireless devices and protocols, high ability to analyze and solve problems, knowledge of firewalls, etc. Most employers are looking for people with at least 4 or 5 years of work experience in this field and a bachelor’s degree. Certifications like Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP), Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA), etc., are also beneficial to prove your skills.
- The average annual salary for a wireless network engineer is around $87,000 to $106,000.
4. Network manager
Every organization and company needs people who can manage and maintain a reliable, secure, and efficient data communication network. And this is where the role of a Network Administrator becomes apparent. Network administrators are responsible for setting up, configuring, and maintaining computer networks. In companies with an extensive network structure, tasks such as analysis, problem-solving, risk assessment, etc., are usually divided between different work groups.
Network managers must have enough experience in the field of networking. Some primary skills required for this profession include knowledge of backup and recovery software and strategies, firewalls, virtual private network, an adequate understanding of setting up and configuring server hardware, etc. In addition to technical skills, a network administrator must also have expertise in multitasking, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
- The average annual income of a network manager is around $68,000 to $75,000.
5. System Engineer
As companies and organizations grow more technologically, their network systems also grow more prominent. Maintaining such systems is not an easy task, and system engineers are the ones who manage such systems. They are responsible for various charges, including analyzing existing systems, developing new efficient systems, regularly inspecting systems and software, reviewing security requirements, and so on.
System engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of work experience. Employers are more likely to hire candidates skilled in understanding Linux and Unix-based environments such as automation software and cloud computing services.
- The average annual salary of a system engineer is about 87-100 thousand dollars.