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

Network technicians are critical in helping people navigate using technology, providing services that range from simple troubleshooting to complex maintenance. It’s also a field that supports the technological developments that contribute to global economic growth. Like various roles within information technology (IT) departments, network technicians will continue to grow and experience demand.

Discover more about the network technician role, daily tasks, and your potential earning and career advancement opportunities to determine if this job matches your career goals.

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

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 do network technicians do?

A network technician has a wide range of responsibilities. You may find yourself doing everything from maintaining local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (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 top five industries employing 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.

Career outlook for a network technician

The BLS expects the computer support specialist occupation, which includes network technicians and network specialists, to grow 6 percent from 2023 through 2033 [2]. That’s faster than most occupations in the US, which suggests a steady demand for people working in this sector. 

Network technician salary

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a network technician in the US is $72,509 per year. This figure includes an average base salary of $63,413 and $9,096 in additional pay. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses [3].

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 an average of $53,644 per year, while a network technician with 15 or more years of experience earns an average of $72,228 [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, and 32 percent have an associate degree, and 7 percent have a master's [4].

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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 CyberOps Professional

  • CCNP Security

  • CCNP Service Provider

  • Cisco Certified DevNet Professional

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE): This certification 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.

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 on Coursera

A network technician builds, tests, troubleshoots, updates, and maintains an organization’s computer network. In this job, you’ll also help fellow employees understand how to operate the computers and the network while remaining available for advice. If this role interests you, consider exploring new skills through courses like Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate , available on Coursera.