What Do Network Support Engineers Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for network support engineers?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what network support engineers do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Network Support Engineers Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about network support engineers by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Network Support Engineers analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Popular Job Titles For Network Support Engineers
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Network Technicians
- NOC Technicians
- Network Support Technicians
- Network Operations Technicians
- Network Operations Center Technicians
- IT Technicians
- Operations Technicians
- Technicians
- Installation Technicians
- LAN Technicians
- Service Consultants
- Computer Network Technicians
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for network support engineers can be found.
Best Industries for Network Support Engineers
Network Support Engineers Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 20.1%
- Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite): 7.9%
- Education and Hospitals (Local Government): 6.7%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 5.8%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 5.3%
- Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals: 4.5%
- Other: 49.7%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of network support engineers can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2023, about 20.1% of all jobs for network support engineers were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (7.9%), Education and Hospitals (Local Government) (6.7%), Management of Companies and Enterprises (5.8%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (5.3%) and Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals (4.5%).
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Degree Options for Network Support Engineers
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Equip yourself for a role as an IT, network or help desk specialist with fundamental technology skills, including medium-scale network administration, small website and application development, and database design and querying.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Learning Technology 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Network Support Engineers
Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Do Network Support Engineers Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what network support engineers do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work network support engineers do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that network support engineers tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for network support engineers, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Network Support Engineers
Based on 11,629 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Network Support Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Routing | 2,865 | 25% |
| Network Switches | 2,846 | 24% |
| Telecommunications | 2,386 | 21% |
| Local Area Networks | 2,120 | 18% |
| Computer Networks | 2,058 | 18% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Network Support Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 6,322 | 54% |
| Communication | 4,850 | 42% |
| Customer Service | 3,700 | 32% |
| Operations | 3,679 | 32% |
| Management | 2,768 | 24% |
Based on 11,629 job postings related to network support engineers, network routing was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 25% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for network switches, telecommunications, local area networks, computer networks and networking hardware were also highly sought.
As for common skills, troubleshooting (problem solving) was the most desired skill found in job postings for network support engineers, followed by communication, customer service, operations, management and problem solving.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Routing | 2,865 | 25% |
| Network Switches | 2,846 | 24% |
| Telecommunications | 2,386 | 21% |
| Local Area Networks | 2,120 | 18% |
| Computer Networks | 2,058 | 18% |
| Networking Hardware | 1,993 | 17% |
| Wide Area Networks | 1,663 | 14% |
| Operating Systems | 1,471 | 13% |
| Technical Support | 1,445 | 12% |
| Network Troubleshooting | 1,355 | 12% |
| Computer Science | 1,287 | 11% |
| Firewall | 1,212 | 10% |
| Network Infrastructure | 1,161 | 10% |
| Network Support | 1,152 | 10% |
| Help Desk Support | 1,060 | 9% |
| TCP/IP | 1,021 | 9% |
| Peripheral Devices | 908 | 8% |
| Network Monitoring | 901 | 8% |
| Issue Tracking | 866 | 7% |
| Active Directory | 857 | 7% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 6,322 | 54% |
| Communication | 4,850 | 42% |
| Customer Service | 3,700 | 32% |
| Operations | 3,679 | 32% |
| Management | 2,768 | 24% |
| Problem Solving | 2,005 | 17% |
| Detail Oriented | 1,494 | 13% |
| Information Technology | 1,282 | 11% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 1,267 | 11% |
| Microsoft Office | 1,121 | 10% |
| Writing | 1,043 | 9% |
| Self-Motivation | 1,042 | 9% |
| Lifting Ability | 1,025 | 9% |
| Good Driving Record | 1,009 | 9% |
| Multitasking | 924 | 8% |
| Wireless Communications | 898 | 8% |
| Planning | 855 | 7% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 854 | 7% |
| Prioritization | 763 | 7% |
| Microsoft Excel | 730 | 6% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Network Support Engineers
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Technicians | 6,727 | 39.2% |
| NOC Technicians | 1,757 | 10.2% |
| Network Support Technicians | 1,135 | 6.6% |
| Network Operations Technicians | 957 | 5.6% |
| Network Operations Center Technicians | 863 | 5% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was network technicians, with 2,466 unique job postings. Noc technicians were second, with 399 postings, followed by network support technicians, network operations technicians and network operations center technicians.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to network support engineers.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Technicians | 6,727 | 39.2% |
| NOC Technicians | 1,757 | 10.2% |
| Network Support Technicians | 1,135 | 6.6% |
| Network Operations Technicians | 957 | 5.6% |
| Network Operations Center Technicians | 863 | 5% |
| IT Technicians | 415 | 2.4% |
| Operations Technicians | 545 | 3.2% |
| Technicians | 553 | 3.2% |
| Installation Technicians | 525 | 3.1% |
| LAN Technicians | 368 | 2.1% |
| Service Consultants | 483 | 2.8% |
| Computer Network Technicians | 376 | 2.2% |
| IT Network Technicians | 308 | 1.8% |
| Support Technicians | 236 | 1.4% |
| PC Network Support Technicians | 508 | 3% |
| Network Field Technicians | 278 | 1.6% |
| Lead Network Technicians | 434 | 2.5% |
| VoIP Technicians | 204 | 1.2% |
| Networking Technicians | 223 | 1.3% |
| Service Technicians | 254 | 1.5% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for network support engineers? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for network support engineers.
How much do network support engineers make?
Network Support Engineers: How do you become one?
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