Network Engineer

What is a network engineer?

Network engineers are responsible for providing the business with the network systems, data speeds and security needed to facilitate daily operations and to support new initiatives.

The job involves working with physical network equipment, like cables, routers, switches and devices, and logical topologies, like network protocols.

The role is often divided into lead network engineers (team leaders) and network engineers (2nd or 3rd line support). They work alongside network analysts or NOC analysts, who provide the 1st line of support.

Network engineer job description and responsibilities

A network engineer keeps everyone in the business connected using a mix of intranets, extranets, LANs and WANS. They monitor the business’ data throughput rate and assess whether upgrades are needed in order to meet future demands.

Engineers work alongside infrastructure engineers, infrastructure architects and product/sales teams, and report to the CTO or infrastructure manager.

Network engineer duties include:

Installing and maintaining network devices and services

Providing support and troubleshooting in accordance with SLAs

Assessing the technical needs of staff or clients

Managing firewalls

Performing software and firmware upgrades to help maintain security

Working alongside the IT security team to uphold policies and procedures

Documenting operational processes

Maintaining operational status by working with third parties/vendors

Network engineer job qualifications, skills and experience

To gain a role in network engineering, employers will be looking for a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or similar, and experience with network administration.

Desirable skills include:

CCNA, CCNP OR CCIE certification (dependent on role level)

Cisco, Palo Alto or Juniper routing/firewall experience

Public cloud experience (Azure/AWS certified, Office 365, Dynamics)

Knowledge of IP networks

Experience in physical network engineering

Employers will also look for some of the following soft skills and characteristics:

Good problem-solving skills

Excellent time management

Organisational skills

Critical thinking

Good attention to detail

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

The ability to work as part of a team

Looking for a network engineer or a network engineer job?

Submit your CV or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your network engineer staffing needs.

Salary for Network Engineer

52500 - 70000

25th percentile

52500

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

60250

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

70000

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

DevOps Manager

82000

97500

113000

Head of Infrastructure

67250

85000

99250

Infrastructure Manager

55500

64250

73500

Network Manager

59000

64750

71250

DevOps Engineer

58250

70750

83250

Cloud Engineer

55000

66250

77250

Service Delivery Manager

42250

50000

59000

Infrastructure Engineer

46000

54750

63500

IT Support Manager

34250

42000

49000

Systems Engineer

37500

47000

55000

Network Administrator

34250

38250

44250

Second Line Support

27000

29250

31750

First Line Support

23000

24500

26500

Explore more salaries

Latest Network Engineer jobs

Search all jobs

Linux / Oracle Systems Administrator

IT Manager

Administrator

Senior IT Specialist

Administrator

Amazon CX Engineer

Amazon CX Senior Engineer

Hiring? Start here.

Access millions of skilled contract and permanent candidates at every level from support roles to C-Suite, and pinpoint the talent you need using our industry-leading matching technology.

Find your next hire

Your guide to negotiating salaries and offers

2026 UK Salary Guide Explore UK salaries, in-demand roles and compensation strategies to confidently benchmark for new hires or prepare for salary discussions.

Expert advice: How to answer the question ‘What are your salary expectations?’ Our recruitment experts give tips on how to answer the question ‘What are your salary expectations?’ during an interview, with examples. Find out more…

How to negotiate a pay rise with your employer: 6 practical tips from recruitment experts Want to know how to ask for a salary increase? Our expert recruiters share new salary data alongside 6 practical tips for negotiating a pay rise this year.

Disappointed with your salary review meeting? Here's what to do next... Has your recent salary review meeting left you feeling deflated? Our recruitment experts share advice on how to turn things around.

How to negotiate a higher salary Learn what steps you can take to secure a more lucrative wage offer when starting a new job.

Should I accept a counteroffer from my current employer? Have you received a counteroffer from your current employer after tendering your resignation? Our recruiters guide you through the tactics behind counteroffers, how to evaluate them and next steps.

How to ask for a sign on bonus: top tips for getting the ‘golden hello’ What is a sign on bonus, and how can you negotiate one? Our experts cover the basics and share 7 tips that’ll help you know how to ask for a sign on bonus.

When should you start discussing salary in an interview? Find out when and if you should ask about salary during an interview.

Listen up, Employers! Maximise your counter-offers to retain talent The pressure is on for businesses to retain their top talent - so what can you do if one of your most valued employees decides to leave?

Performance and salary review: how they differ and how to prepare for success Uncover the difference between a performance and salary review and discover how to increase your chances of success with smart preparation. Read more.

Should you accept a counter-offer? Received a counter-offer after resigning? Discover the pros and cons of accepting a counter-offer and how to make the right decision for your long-term career goals.

Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job seekers our recruiters have matched with companies across the country, in addition to 350,000 third-party vacancies data from Textkernel for independent validation.

The Salary Guide From Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.