What Is a Network Technician, and How Do I Become One?

Key takeaways

Network technicians are critical to helping people navigate technology, providing services ranging from troubleshooting to maintenance.

• Network technicians work in industries such as the local government and telecommunications [1].

• As a network technician, you need skills in technical support, troubleshooting, and Linux.

• You can advance in your career as a network technician into roles such as systems engineer or project manager.

Discover more about the network technician role, daily tasks, and your potential earnings and career advancement opportunities to determine if this job matches your career goals. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. In as little as three months, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to provide end-to-end customer support, ranging from identifying problems to troubleshooting and debugging. Upon completion, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What is a network technician?

A network technician is an information technology (IT) professional who is responsible for the upkeep of an organization’s computer and network systems (cloud and on-premises), local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, and extranets, including troubleshooting and repairing issues. In this position, you might also handle setup tasks, such as establishing internet connections or connecting networks.

Technicians may collaborate with clients and other IT team members to provide support or ensure the proper installation of items like software. You might also work with other team members to ensure a client or organization's system is secure and meets their tech requirements. 

What does a computer network technician do?

A network technician has a wide range of responsibilities. You may find yourself doing everything from maintaining LANs and WANs to documenting network problems and solutions. Some other duties and responsibilities you might have include:

• Helping install hardware and software as needed 

• Selecting new equipment to meet an organization's needs 

• Performing routine maintenance on networks 

• Scheduling upgrades in such a way that matches the workflow 

• Teaching employees about various aspects of an organization's technology

• Troubleshooting computer issues and making repairs 

• Communicating with clients in person, on the phone, using email, or through live chats 

Where do network technicians work?

As a network technician, you might work on-site or remotely or travel to each client's location. You might also work directly for an organization, providing their network support needs, or you may work for a firm that serves numerous clients. You may also need to work nights and weekends. The need for network technicians spans across many industries.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the five industries employing the most network technicians, also known as computer support specialists, in the US include the following [1]:

• Computer systems design and related services

• Telecommunications

• Management of companies and enterprises

• Elementary and secondary schools

• Local government

You might also work in hospitals or financial firms.

Read more: Network Certification: 5 Options for Your IT Career

Career outlook for a network technician

The BLS expects the computer support specialist occupation, which includes network technicians and network specialists, to have 50,500 jobs each year from 2024 through 2034 [2]. 

Network technician salary

According to Glassdoor, the median total pay for a network technician in the US is $83,000 per year [3]. This figure includes an average base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses.

Keep in mind that your salary will likely vary based on location, education level, experience, and more. For example, an entry-level network technician earns a median total pay of $67,000 per year, while a network technician with 15 or more years of experience earns an average of $95,000 [3]. 

How to become a network technician

To become a network technician, you’ll typically need some formal education, such as a bachelor’s degree, experience, and maybe even certifications, which can make you a more appealing candidate to potential employers. Qualification requirements may vary based on your employer. 

1. Study for a degree.

You’ll often need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer information systems, information technology, or another related field to land a network technician job. However, an associate degree is acceptable in some situations, particularly for entry-level jobs. According to Zippia, 50 percent of people with this job title hold a bachelor’s degree, 32 percent have an associate degree, and 7 percent have a master's [4].

Whichever degree you pursue, verify that the coursework covers important information technology topics. Subjects you study might include cloud computing, workplace math, business information systems, wireless networks, and software and operating systems. While earning your degree, you can also pick a specialization, like Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, or Linux/UNIX.

2. Get experience.

When you enter this field, you’ll likely start in an entry-level role, such as an information systems technician or a desktop support specialist. You’ll generally need three to six months of on-the-job training before advancing to network technician.

You can hone your skills to succeed in this position during this time. Important skills to know include:

• Analytical skills

• Customer service

• Communication skills

• Linux

• Troubleshooting 

• Switches 

• Routers 

• Technical support 

• Interpersonal skills

• Cable installation

• Problem-solving skills

• Microsoft Office 

• Computer networking

• Computer hardware

3. Study for a certification.

Some organizations may require certifications to land a network technician role. Even without it as a requirement, certifications may give you an advantage in your job search or lead to a promotion within the larger IT department.

Some certifications to consider include:

• CompTIA Network+: This certification can help you learn and validate your skills in networking fundamentals, implementation, operations, security, and troubleshooting.

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This certification includes a combination of instructor-led discussions, self-study, and labs that allow you to get real-world experience while developing skills to handle IP services and automation in network management.

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): You can choose from seven professional-level certifications that align with your career goals, including:

• CCNP Enterprise

• CCNP Collaboration

• CCNP Data Center

• Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Professional

• CCNP Security

• CCNP Service Provider

• Cisco Certified DevNet Professional

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE): This certification series allows you to validate your ability to work with enterprise infrastructures via a real-world lab and an exam.

• Certified Network Defender (CND): You can demonstrate your ability to participate in securing an organization’s digital assets from hackers and other threats with this certification.

• Network Systems Technician (NST): Validate your knowledge of basic computing concepts, computer network terminology, network administration, network architectures, network operations, computer network topologies, and more with this credential.

Is it hard to be a network technician?

No, it is not considered hard to become a network technician. To excel in this career, you’ll likely need to equip yourself with information technology skills and pursue certifications from organizations like CompTIA and Cisco, and other training options.

Career advancement options

After gaining experience as a network technician, consider moving into higher roles within the IT department in your organization or other organizations. These positions might include:

• Systems administrator

• Systems engineer

• Lead technician

• Network administrator

• Project manager

If you’re interested in management, some roles to aim for might include IT manager, technical manager, and senior network engineer. More advanced roles may require additional training and education, such as earning a master's degree.

Build network technician skills and knowledge

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, tips, and trends. Then, explore free IT resources to optimize your professional growth:

• Watch on YouTube: CCNA vs. Network+: Which Certification Wins?

• Take a quiz: Cybersecurity Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

• Learn from experts: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

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