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Network engineer

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

Annual Salary

£25,500 to £52,000

Working hours

38 to 40 a week

You could work: on call; flexibly

4.3%
Future employment

There will be 4.3% more Network engineer jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

What you'll do

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

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Entry requirements

You can get into this job through:

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

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

  • network engineering
  • computer science
  • electronic engineering
  • network security
  • software engineering

Related subjects like physics, maths or electrical engineering can also be useful.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College

You could do a college course which may help you to find a trainee network engineer position.

Courses include:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Networking and Architecture
  • Level 3 Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security
  • T Level in Digital Support Services
  • Level 4 Certificate in Network Services
  • Level 4 Diploma in Network Security

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship like:

  • Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option

These can take between 1 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work

You could start as a network technician and do an industry recognised certificate on the job, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about computing careers and training through The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.

Employment by region

Career path and 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

Other useful information

You can get more advice about careers in networking from Tech Future Careers and The Chartered Institute for IT.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • 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
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