Network engineer

Network engineers design, set up and maintain physical and virtual IT communication systems for organisations. 


Typical Salary

£25,500 – £52,000

per year

Working Hours

38–40

hours per week

Career Area

IT network professionals

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

As a network engineer, you could:

  • design, install and upgrade network systems for clients
  •  set up accounts, user permissions and firewalls
  •  give technical support to staff
  •  monitor network performance and fix faults
  •  make sure systems meet all technical, security and data standards

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a network engineer to be a green job, you could:

  • upgrade IT network systems to take advantage of more energy efficient hardware
  •  shift towards green cloud providers that have lower carbon emissions
  •  use methods like data compression and bandwidth management to reduce power use

Find out more about green careers

Skills needed

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

Career progression

With experience, you could:

  • specialise in cyber security, data analysis or software development
  •  become a network manager, business analyst or technical architect
  •  set up your own business and work as a freelance consultant