10 Best Computer Networking Jobs with High Salaries in USA

In these days of uncertainty around employment, IT remains a solid option for those who either have the qualifications or those who are seriously thinking about a career change. In this article I’ll discuss the best-paying jobs, both in the core networking field and in network security as well.

There are many roles and job categories available in the IT industry, and many of the skills are transferable.

Computer Networking based on TCP/IP technology can be considered a subcategory of the general IT industry and is one of the high-paying professional fields.

Most successful professionals working in the Networking field have a lot of hands-on experience on building large scale networks and are also people who have earned several professional certifications as well (such as CCNP, CCIE, JNCIE etc).

That’s why these professionals are among the best paid employees in the industry.

I have researched the 10 best-paying computer networking jobs with excellent median salaries (in the USA) and listing them below with some description of each one, average salary etc (the order below is from higher to lower paying).

The job descriptions, main responsibilities and characteristics of each job role below might differ from company to company but in general they are valid across the industry.

Moreover, the salaries shown below will differ a lot according to many factors such as the hiring company, the area of the country, experience and qualifications of the candidate etc.

Best Paid Computer Networking Jobs

1) Network Architect 

Job Description

Network Architects are primary hired by large companies with big networks or system integrator companies who offer networking consultancy and implementation services to other businesses.

The primary responsibilities of Network Architects include designing and planning of large computer networks for other companies or for their own network. These networks include LANs, WANs, Campus networks, Intranet networks, Voice over IP networks, Wireless etc.

The Architect must have broad knowledge of many networking and IT technologies, must be able to analyze industry and current technology trends in order to offer and propose new solutions, must be able to identify and select the proper technology and products for each specific case etc.

For example, the Cisco Certified Architect professional certification is the highest level of accreditation that a professional can earn related to Cisco technologies.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Plan and Design complex networks and associated systems according to the needs of the company.
• Lead a team to implement the network.
• Analyze technology trends and propose new solutions.
• Translate business needs and objectives into a functional network design. 

Average Salary

• According to https://www.roberthalf.com: Current Midpoint Salary around $145,000 per year
• According to U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS Average Salary of $112,690 per year

2) Wireless Network Engineer 

Job Description

The Wireless Network Engineer designs, installs, and configures wireless computer networks according to industry best practices. They must be able to deal with all 802.11 b/g/n/ac wireless protocols and deal with security in WiFi networks.

The Wireless Network Engineer is also responsible for maintaining all equipment and software, ongoing monitoring of the network, troubleshooting, and rolling out software and hardware upgrades to maintain the best performance of the WLAN network.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Design and configure wireless networks according to LAN and WLAN industry standards.
• Contacting and working with equipment vendors.
• Monitor and evaluate WiFi network performance.
• Perform wireless site surveys to improve coverage of the WiFi network.
• Work with clients and design wireless networks according to their specific needs.
• Implement network-wide security policies of the WLAN network.

Average Salary

• According to https://www.roberthalf.com: A Wireless Network Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of around $125,000 per year.

3) Network Manager 

Job Description

The Network Manager oversees a team of other networking professionals who handle the daily operations of WAN, LAN, Voice, Wireless etc computer networks and associated systems.

A Network Manager has mostly managerial responsibilities, but they can also “get their hands dirty” with hands-on work depending on their practical experience. They can also train new staff in order to get up to speed fast, and they also serve as the interface with other departments in the company.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee other networking professionals.
• Provide advice and guidance to users on use of the network and associated tools.
• Monitor the performance of the network and give directions how to solve problems.
• Maintain a big picture perspective of the network, but be able to drill down and manage details when needed.
• Plan network infrastructure to accommodate new applications and services.
• Get involved in tenders and purchasing tasks to get new networking infrastructure in the environment.

Average Salary

• A Network Manager can expect to earn a median salary of $120,000 per year according to https://www.roberthalf.com.
• According to U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS Median salary is $146,360 per year.

4) Network Engineer 

Job Description

A Network Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and monitoring a wide variety of computer networks, including WAN, LAN, VoIP, WLAN, MAN, and so on.

As such, the Network Engineer is required to have high level knowledge and skills across all types of computer networks including both hardware and software.

This job role is kind of generic and can overlap with other roles described in this article.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Work with many types of computer networks, including LAN, WLAN, MAN, WAN, VoIP etc.
• Maintain computer networks, including changing configurations to optimize speed and efficiency.
• Monitor networks for problems and then provide resolutions.
• Make high-level decisions about changes to problematic networks to improve their performance.
• Perform data back-ups, verify data back-ups, and perform disaster recovery when required
• Maintain hardware and software, and ensure that configurations are optimal for network coverage and performance.

Average Salary

The Network Engineer’s salary depends a lot on the experience and number of years in the industry. According to  https://www.roberthalf.com expect to earn an annual average salary of $115,000.

5) Network Administrator 

Job Description

A Network Administrator, or Systems Administrator, is responsible for overseeing computer networks within organizations and businesses. They are expected to oversee and troubleshoot network problems and then provide solutions so that the network is operating at optimal speed and efficiency.

The main activities include operation and administration of networking infrastructure such as routers, switches, firewalls, management systems, monitoring systems etc.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Evaluate and monitor computer networks within a business or organization, and provide solutions to network problems.
• Upgrade existing hardware and software.
• Manage and administer network equipment and provide support in case of problems.
• Assist new users to get set up on the network.
• Monitor the networking systems for problems, performance issues etc.
• Configure and implement new settings on the equipment.
• Oversee and install hardware and software across the network.
• Upgrade existing software and hardware when required to maintain optimal network throughput and operation.

Average Salary

• A Network Administrator can expect to earn an average yearly salary of around $95,000 according to https://www.roberthalf.com
• Moreover, according to U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS Median salary is $83,510 per year. You may also find remote Network Administrator Jobs with Jooble.

6) Network Operation Center (NOC) Technician 

Job Description

The Network Operation Center Technician, or NOC Technician, is responsible for overseeing and monitoring networks within a centralized NOC of a large business or organization.

They monitor networks, upgrade equipment within the NOC, and work with field technicians to provide support to end users and also to inform third-level support engineers for any problems or alarms that are raised from the management systems.

Usually NOC technicians work in 24×7 shifts in order to provide continuous monitoring and support of the network. They must know the networks well in order to identify false-positives from the alarms.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Monitoring networks from within the NOC for problems.
• Servicing network equipment, including servers and telecommunications equipment.
• Work with field technicians and other IT personnel remotely to solve network problems and equipment failure.
• Escalate problems to management when required.
• Maintain clear documentation on issues and their resolution for future reference.
• Create reports from systems (statistical, failure reports, utilization reports etc).

Average Salary

A NOC Technician can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $65,000 according to https://www.roberthalf.com

Best Paid Network Security Jobs

1) Information Systems Security Manager

 Job Description

The Information Security Systems Manager is responsible for the whole security of the organization by creating and enforcing security policies and controls, organizing the implementation of security technologies that protect computers and information from malware and hacking attempts by external parties etc.

The Information Security Manager must have strong experience and knowledge in all aspects of I.T in order to be able to identify security threats, risks etc.

Businesses lose billions of dollars per year due to malware and hackers. This role is very important in the fight against cybercrime.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Create and promote security policies for the whole organization.
• Coordinate the implementation and enforcement of security controls.
• Analyze system security risks and produce reports.
• Manage security assessments and technical security audits.
• Prepare security awareness trainings for users.
• Manage a team of other security professionals.
• Provides guidance to the business on cybersecurity compliance measures.

Average Salary

An Information Systems Security Manager can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $145,000  according to https://www.roberthalf.com.

2) Security Architect 

Job Description

The Security Architect has a very important mission as a senior member in the IT teams. They are responsible for planning, designing, testing, and implementing the cybersecurity technologies of the business.

This means deep knowledge and understanding of complex IT systems and knowhow of the latest technologies and threats related to security.

This involves reviewing of the security status of current network and associated computer systems. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring is conducted of the network to detect any malware or intrusions from external sources.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, and testing security protocols and systems throughout IT architecture.
• Have deep knowledge in security infrastructure such as Firewalls, IPS systems, VPNs, and associated computer and security systems.
• Managing disaster recovery and the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability).
• Planning for security breaches and developing procedures and incident response.

Average Salary

A Security Architect can expect to earn an average income of $132,000  per year.

3) Network Security Engineer 

Job Description

The Network Security Engineer is responsible for maintaining the effectiveness of a computer network in the context of its resistance against malware and cyber attacks.

They design, test, implement, and optimize security systems and protocols and need to ensure that the network can withstand a cyber threat or natural disaster.

The security engineer is responsible for the deployment, configuration, and administration of a wide range of security and network elements such as firewalls, authentication systems, VPNs, IPS, monitoring, SIEM etc.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Designing, engineering, testing, implementing, and monitoring the security architecture for a company.
• Testing for system vulnerabilities and then optimizing security in light of these findings.
• Managing software and hardware updates and upgrades in the context of ongoing security effectiveness
• Managing firewalls, VPNs, email and web security, monitoring systems etc.
• Managing anti-malware software and maintaining updates.
• Preparing reports about security architecture and system vulnerability.
• Adhering to industry standard best practice and complying with security protocols
• Simulate attacks on the system to analyze security measures and protections

Average Salary

A Network Security Engineer can expect to earn an annual average salary of $120,000.

4) Network Security Administrator

Job Description

The primary responsibility of the Network Security Administrator is to administer and manage security systems (hands-on) in order to maintain the security of the network to a high level.

They manage and  administer end user permissions, cybersecurity policies and procedures, antimalware software, and educating end users about the proper use of the network in a secure way.

The Security Administrator is the person who will practically enforce the controls and policies which are issued by the Information Security Manager.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Operate and manage firewalls, anti-malware systems, IPS, VPN etc.
• Updating software with security patches.
• Rolling out and administering all security systems across the network.
• Implementing, and configuring cybersecurity systems, including hardware and software
• Managing user access and permissions, including passwords and public key systems for the purposes of data encryption
• Provide support to end users about security protocols and setting up user passwords and permissions.
• Managing key certificates, public key infrastructure systems, digital signatures etc.

Average Salary

A Network Security Administrator can expect to earn an average annual income of $115,000.

Conclusion

Finding work in IT can lead to a myriad of different roles, especially in networking and network security. There are many transferable skills and employment in the IT sector which is expected to continue growing into the future with well-paid jobs.