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Network engineer

Also called Network administrator.

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

Potential salary
£25,500 starter to £52,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
38 to 40 a week. Working pattern: on call flexibly.
Career area
Digital and data
Where they might work
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
A typical task
design, install and upgrade network systems for clients
Subjects that may help
1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
Typical route
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research, Making, fixing and working outdoors

Career actions

What you might do

  • 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
  • upgrade IT network systems to take advantage of more energy efficient hardware
More tasks (2)
  • shift towards green cloud providers that have lower carbon emissions
  • use methods like data compression and bandwidth management to reduce power use

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • 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
More skills
  • 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

Routes into this career

University route

  • 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.
  • 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
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Computer Networks

    Common route. A networking or computing degree is a common route. Vendor qualifications are often added later.

  • Computer science

    Alternative route. Networking is not the centre of every computer science degree.

  • Cybersecurity

    Alternative route. Networks are part of the degree, not the whole job.

  • Electrical and electronic engineering

    Alternative route. Possible, but computer networking is often entered through computing or a vendor qualification.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
  • Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Hardware, Network and Infrastructure Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Network Cable Installer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option
  • You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
  • If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
  • have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison
  • You'll usually need:
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 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
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to apprenticeships

Other routes

  • You could do a college course which may help you to find a trainee network engineer position.
  • Courses include:
  • networking and architecture
  • networking and cyber security
  • IT-networking
  • network security
  • T Level in Digital Support and Security
  • Entry requirements for these courses vary.
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • guide to T Levels
  • funding advice
  • search for courses
Career 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

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 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

What you could do next