What Is a Network Engineer? Role, Responsibilities & Career Path

A network engineer designs, builds, and maintains the computer networks that keep businesses running. From configuring routers and switches to securing data across cloud environments, network engineers ensure that every device, application, and user stays connected.

With over 14,800 monthly searches for this term, it is clear that both aspiring IT professionals and business leaders want to understand this critical role. Whether you are planning a career in networking or looking to hire a network engineer for your MSP, this guide covers everything you need to know in 2026.

What Does a Network Engineer Do?

Network engineers are responsible for the backbone of every organization's IT infrastructure. Their day-to-day work involves a mix of planning, implementation, and problem-solving across local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud-based systems.

Core Responsibilities

• Network design and architecture: Planning network topologies, selecting hardware (routers, switches, firewalls), and designing systems that meet current and future capacity needs.
• Implementation and configuration: Setting up network devices, configuring VLANs, VPNs, and routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP.
• Network security: Implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), access control lists (ACLs), and network segmentation to protect against unauthorized access.
• Monitoring and performance optimization: Using tools like SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios, or Datadog to track bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss in real time.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving network outages, connectivity issues, and performance bottlenecks under time pressure.
• Documentation: Maintaining network diagrams, configuration records, and change management logs for compliance and team collaboration.
• Cloud networking: Managing hybrid and multi-cloud network configurations across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

In an MSP environment, network engineers often manage infrastructure for multiple clients simultaneously, making the role even more demanding and rewarding.

Network Engineer Skills You Need in 2026

The network engineering field has evolved far beyond basic cable management. Today's network engineers need a blend of deep technical knowledge and business-facing communication skills.

Technical Skills

Skill	Why It Matters
TCP/IP and OSI Model	Foundation of all network communication and troubleshooting
Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP)	Essential for managing traffic across enterprise networks
Firewall and VPN configuration	Critical for securing remote access and perimeter defense
Cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure VNet)	Required as organizations shift to hybrid cloud architectures
Network automation (Ansible, Python)	Reduces manual configuration errors and speeds deployment
SD-WAN	Increasingly replacing traditional MPLS for branch connectivity
Wireless networking (Wi-Fi 6E/7)	Supporting the growing number of wireless devices in offices
Network monitoring tools	SolarWinds, PRTG, and Datadog for proactive issue detection

Soft Skills

• Problem-solving under pressure: Network outages cost businesses an average of $5,600 per minute according to Gartner. Engineers must diagnose and fix issues quickly.
• Clear communication: Translating technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders, especially when explaining network risks to management.
• Documentation habits: Thorough documentation prevents future outages and enables smooth handoffs between team members.
• Project management: Network upgrade projects involve timelines, budgets, and coordination across departments.

Top Network Engineer Certifications

Certifications validate your network engineering skills and are often required by employers. Here are the most recognized certifications in 2026, ordered by career stage.

Entry-Level

• CompTIA Network+: Vendor-neutral certification covering networking fundamentals. Ideal starting point for career changers.
• Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): The industry standard for proving hands-on networking skills. Covers routing, switching, security basics, and automation.

Mid-Level

• Cisco CCNP Enterprise: Advanced routing, switching, and troubleshooting. Opens doors to senior roles.
• Juniper JNCIS-ENT: For engineers working with Juniper hardware in enterprise environments.
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking: Proves cloud networking expertise for hybrid infrastructure roles.

Expert-Level

• Cisco CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert): One of the most respected certifications in IT. Holders command top salaries.
• Palo Alto Networks PCNSE: For network security engineers specializing in next-gen firewalls.

At Medha Cloud, our remote network administrators hold certifications including CCNA, CCNP, and CompTIA Network+, ensuring enterprise-grade expertise for every MSP partner we support.

How to Become a Network Engineer

There is no single path to becoming a network engineer. Here is a practical roadmap based on what we see working for professionals entering the field in 2026.

Step 1: Build Your Foundation

A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field provides a strong starting point. However, a network engineer degree is not strictly required. Many successful engineers enter through bootcamps, self-study, or IT help desk roles.

Step 2: Get Your First Certification

Start with CompTIA Network+ to prove baseline knowledge, then pursue CCNA to demonstrate hands-on Cisco skills. These two certifications cover what most entry-level network engineer positions require.

Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience

Build a home lab with used Cisco equipment or use free tools like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG. Practice configuring VLANs, setting up OSPF routing, and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Apply for entry-level positions such as:

• Network technician
• Help desk engineer with networking responsibilities
• Junior network administrator
• NOC (Network Operations Center) analyst

Step 4: Specialize and Advance

After 2-3 years of hands-on experience, choose a specialization:

• Network security: Focus on firewalls, IDS/IPS, and zero-trust architecture.
• Cloud networking: Master AWS, Azure, or GCP networking services.
• Network automation: Learn Python and Ansible to automate network configurations at scale.
• Wireless engineering: Specialize in enterprise Wi-Fi design and deployment.

Network Engineer Salary in 2026

Network engineers are well-compensated across all experience levels. Here is what the data shows for the United States in 2026.

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Average Annual Salary (US)	Typical Range
Entry-level (0-2 years)	$62,000	$50,000 - $75,000
Mid-level (3-5 years)	$85,000	$72,000 - $100,000
Senior (5-10 years)	$115,000	$95,000 - $140,000
Principal / Staff (10+ years)	$145,000	$120,000 - $180,000
CCIE holders	$150,000+	$130,000 - $200,000+

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and Robert Half Technology 2026 Salary Guide.

Salary by Location

Location significantly impacts network engineer compensation:

• San Francisco / Bay Area: $130,000 - $180,000 (highest cost of living adjustment)
• New York City: $110,000 - $155,000
• Austin, TX: $90,000 - $130,000
• Remote positions: $85,000 - $140,000 (growing rapidly since 2023)

Remote network engineering roles have grown 47% since 2023, with MSPs leading this trend by hiring distributed teams to support clients across time zones.

Network Engineer Job Description: What Employers Want

Analyzing hundreds of network engineer job postings reveals consistent patterns in what employers prioritize:

Must-Have Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on networking experience
• CCNA or equivalent certification
• Experience with Cisco, Juniper, or Arista equipment
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and VPN technologies
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Cloud networking experience (AWS or Azure)
• Network automation with Python or Ansible
• Experience in managed services or MSP environments
• SD-WAN deployment experience
• Security certifications (Security+, PCNSE)

Why MSPs Need Network Engineers

Managed service providers face a unique challenge: supporting dozens or even hundreds of client networks with a lean team. Network engineers in MSP environments handle multi-tenant infrastructure, which requires a different skill set than single-organization roles.

In our experience working with 32+ MSP partners at Medha Cloud, the biggest pain point is finding qualified network engineers who understand the MSP model. Key differences include:

• Multi-client management: Juggling configurations across different network environments simultaneously.
• RMM tool proficiency: Working within remote monitoring and management platforms like ConnectWise, Datto, or NinjaOne.
• White-label service delivery: Operating as an extension of the MSP's brand, not as a separate vendor.
• Scalable documentation: Creating standardized network documentation that works across client environments.

This is exactly why many MSPs choose to outsource network administration to a white-label partner rather than hiring in-house. It provides certified engineers at a fraction of the cost, with 24/7 coverage and no recruitment overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a network engineer do?

A network engineer designs, implements, and manages computer networks for organizations. This includes configuring routers and switches, setting up firewalls, monitoring performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and ensuring network security. In 2026, the role increasingly includes cloud networking and network automation.

Do network engineers get paid a lot?

Yes. Network engineers earn above-average salaries compared to other IT roles. Entry-level positions start around $62,000, while senior network engineers earn $115,000 or more. CCIE-certified engineers can command salaries exceeding $150,000. Location, certifications, and specialization all impact compensation.

Is network engineer an IT job?

Yes, network engineering is a core IT discipline. Network engineers fall under the broader IT infrastructure umbrella alongside system administrators, security engineers, and cloud engineers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies this role under "Computer Network Architects" and "Network and Computer Systems Administrators."

Will AI replace network engineers?

AI will change the role but not replace it. AI-powered tools like Cisco AI Network Analytics and Juniper Mist AI are automating routine monitoring and anomaly detection. However, network design, complex troubleshooting, security architecture, and strategic planning still require human expertise. Engineers who learn to work with AI tools will be more valuable, not less.

How do I become a network engineer without a degree?

Many successful network engineers do not have a four-year degree. Start by earning CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA certifications. Build hands-on experience with home labs or virtual environments like GNS3. Apply for entry-level positions such as help desk technician or NOC analyst, and work your way up through demonstrated skills and additional certifications.

Key Takeaways

• Network engineers design, build, and maintain the networks businesses depend on every day.
• Core skills include TCP/IP, routing protocols, firewall configuration, and increasingly cloud networking and automation.
• Top certifications are CCNA (entry), CCNP (mid), and CCIE (expert), with cloud certs gaining importance.
• Salaries range from $62,000 (entry) to $150,000+ (senior/CCIE), with strong growth in remote positions.
• MSPs benefit significantly from outsourcing network administration to access certified talent without full-time hiring costs.