| Network Technician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Job Outlook | 5% |
A Network Technician can work in a variety of industries building, servicing and maintaining computer networks for their employers.
Network Technicians can work from the Information Services department within a company or organization.
They are responsible for a variety of technical tasks that help improve and maintain an organization’s network infrastructure.
Some common industries these professionals work in include:
- Education
- Medical and Healthcare
- Government
- Private businesses
Network Technicians perform their job in order for the rest of ours to do our own.
They hook up computer systems and connect individual computers in order to make it easier for the rest of us to communicate with one another and share information.
Their work allows people to use email and share data, provide internet connections and upload computer applications.
They create computer infrastructure systems within companies and are responsible for maintaining and servicing them.
Table of Contents
Education Requirements to Become a Network Technician
Future Network Technicians need a minimum of certification or an Associate’s degree in order to find a job in the industry.
Candidates can choose from a couple of options in order to become a Network Technician .
A variety of Technical Colleges offer programs where a student can receive either certification or an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science.
Certification takes a shorter amount of time to complete and a student who wants to become a Network Technician will learn the basics and skills in order to find a job in the field.
Typical Computer Network Technology Programs will prepare students by educating students on electronics theory and the maintenance and repair of a variety of systems environments.
Popular systems taught in a program include Microsoft Windows and the Linux Operating system environment.
A Computer Network Technology Program will also prepare students to take industry certification exams.
The types of certifications a Computer Network Program will prepare students to take include:
- Linux + Linux+ Certification
- CompTIA A+ CompTIA A + Certification
- CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Network + Certification
- Microsoft Certified Professional MCITP Certification
Students who want to continue their education past a certification program and acquire an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science will need a total of two years in order to do so.
In addition to learning computer network technology, they will take general education courses that apply towards their degree with some variations between programs and schools.
Network Technician Job Description
Network Technicians can spend their workday providing maintenance work, servicing personal computers and making sure the entire network infrastructure is performing correctly.
They are required to juggle the demands set forth by fellow colleagues as well as supervising and making sure the entire network infrastructure is up to speed and working correctly.
Making sure the network infrastructure is highly important because it affects the organization as a whole.
- Looks into inquiries asking for technical help and resolutions
- Creates a work order based on inquiries for technical help
- Manages and organizes work orders and develops a system to complete work orders
- Follows up on work orders to determine whether problem was resolved
- Complete work orders in a timely manner in order for colleagues to be productive
- Troubleshooting: hardware, software and network problems
- Resolves a wide range of computer break downs and network problems
- Researches, plans, coordinates and applies software and hardware upgrades
- Provides modifications to routers, servers, workstations and switches
- Implements diagnostics for hardware and software; investigates and looks into how a network is performing and makes recommendations for improvement
Network Technician Salary and Career Path
The employment outlook for people who want to become a Network Technician will continue to be strong in the coming years.
The national median wage for Network Technicians is approximately $60,000 per year.
The salary range for these professionals begins at approximately $ 25,000 to $75,000 for more experienced Network Technicians in the field.
Wages also depend on the sector Network Technicians secure a position.
For example, corporations tend to pay higher wages than the educational industry.
The below information is based on the 2023 BLS national averages.
National Average Salary
$78,640Average Salary by State
| State | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $67,990 |
| Alaska | $95,560 |
| Arizona | $66,790 |
| Arkansas | $62,880 |
| California | $83,940 |
| Colorado | $89,850 |
| Connecticut | $96,780 |
| Delaware | $65,220 |
| District of Columbia | $90,920 |
| Florida | $75,190 |
| Georgia | $82,850 |
| Hawaii | $72,670 |
| Idaho | $64,950 |
| Illinois | $81,150 |
| Indiana | $69,960 |
| Iowa | $67,360 |
| Kansas | $68,760 |
| Kentucky | $69,320 |
| Louisiana | $61,140 |
| Maine | $69,480 |
| Maryland | $102,600 |
| Massachusetts | $90,640 |
| Michigan | $66,440 |
| Minnesota | $76,270 |
| Mississippi | $57,880 |
| Missouri | $68,790 |
| Montana | $63,380 |
| Nebraska | $70,260 |
| Nevada | $71,660 |
| New Hampshire | $75,290 |
| New Jersey | $87,630 |
| New Mexico | $68,990 |
| New York | $86,390 |
| North Carolina | $82,170 |
| North Dakota | $67,360 |
| Ohio | $73,700 |
| Oklahoma | $75,900 |
| Oregon | $70,620 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,810 |
| Rhode Island | $115,330 |
| South Carolina | $67,530 |
| South Dakota | $54,240 |
| Tennessee | $68,350 |
| Texas | $70,430 |
| Utah | $84,670 |
| Vermont | $72,560 |
| Virginia | $80,860 |
| Washington | $96,130 |
| West Virginia | $54,430 |
| Wisconsin | $79,020 |
| Wyoming | $62,450 |
| Puerto Rico | $54,970 |
| Virgin Islands | $56,550 |
The top earning state in the field is Rhode Island, where the average salary is $115,330.
These are the top 5 highest-paying states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a network technician do?
Network technicians build and troubleshoot computer networks.
Their expertise typically includes installing and repairing Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and data communications equipment.
As a network technician, you will set up internet connections, establish different types of networks and connect them.
You will have to collaborate with the IT team to ensure that the software is correctly installed on users’ computers.
You may also have to install antivirus software and to help prevent cyberattacks by making sure that the antivirus is updated.
As a network technician, you will need good technical skills, attention to detail but also communication skills and the ability to work in teams.
How much does a network technician make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for network and computer systems administrators was $82,050 as of May 2018.
Salaries vary depending on the employer and industry and the technician’s level of experience.
Entry-level employees can earn less than $50,000 a year while more experienced technicians can make up to more than $130,000 a year.
How much does it cost to become a network technician?
Network technicians typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, information systems, computer science or a related field.
Tuition costs vary widely depending on the school you choose and the program itself.
A bachelor’s degree program in computer engineering costs around $43,000-$44,000 on average.
However, you may find employment with an associate’s degree or a diploma from a vocational school if you have previous experience in the field.
Many employers also offer on-the-job training to their new employees.
Holding an industry certification, such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or Cisco Certified Network Associates may give you an advantage over your competitors in the job market.
Before taking the certification exam, you will have to pay an examination fee which is typically between $325-$600, depending on the type of credential you are seeking.
What is the demand for network technicians?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for network and computer system administrators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Network technicians will be especially in demand in the computer systems design industry to assist small and medium-sized businesses that do not have their own IT department.
Job opportunities may vary depending on the region.
Holding a certificate in the field and a bachelor’s degree from a reputable institution can give you an advantage over your competitors in the job market.
How long does it take to become a network technician?
Network technicians typically need a 4-years bachelor’s degree program in computer science or a related field.
However, you may also find employment with an associate’s degree and a few years of experience.
Most employers offer a few weeks of on-the-job training for their new employees.
As a network technician, you may have to participate in continuing education classes to keep up with the new technologies in the field.
Related Careers
IT Technician
IT technicians maintain a company's computer workstations and software for all employees.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for maintaining computer networks and solving any problems that may occur with them.
Computer Technician
Computer systems technician oversee the operations of an organization's IT network, operating systems, hardware and software.
Telecom Technician
Telecom Technicians install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
