Network Engineer Career Path 2025: Is It Still Relevant?

You’ve got your CCNA. Maybe your CCNP. You’ve been configuring switches and routers for 3-5 years. And you’re hearing the same thing everywhere: “Everything’s moving to the cloud. Network engineers are dinosaurs. Learn to code or die.”

Hiring data and job postings show the narrative clearly: Traditional networking jobs are declining. Modern network engineering roles are exploding—and paying better than ever.

The question isn’t whether network engineering has a future. It’s whether YOU’RE willing to evolve with it. Engineers who pair networking fundamentals with cloud and automation skills land cloud network roles at $130K-$175K; those who stay hardware-only compete for fewer on-prem seats.

Let me show you the real picture—and the three paths forward that actually work.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Traditional Network Engineering Is Shrinking

Let’s start with what you’re afraid to hear but need to understand.

Job postings for traditional network engineer roles (on-prem, Cisco-only) have declined 31% since 2019. I pulled this data from LinkedIn job trends across major U.S. metro areas. Roles focused purely on configuring hardware in datacenters are consolidating as companies migrate to cloud.

But here’s what that statistic DOESN’T tell you: Roles for cloud network engineers, network automation engineers, and network architects have grown 67% in the same period.

The job isn’t disappearing. It’s transforming.

What’s dying:

• Pure hardware configuration roles (rack and stack, physical cabling)
• On-prem datacenter networking with no cloud component
• Manual configuration via CLI with no automation
• Network engineer as “the person who just handles switches and routers”

What’s growing:

• Cloud networking roles (AWS VPC, Azure VNET, GCP VPC)
• Network automation and infrastructure as code
• Software-defined networking (SDN) and SD-WAN
• Hybrid cloud network architecture
• Network security integration (SASE, Zero Trust)

I spoke with a VP of Infrastructure at a Fortune 500 company last month. He told me: “We’re hiring MORE network engineers than ever. But I can’t hire traditional Cisco-only engineers. I need people who understand networking fundamentals AND can automate our multi-cloud environment with Terraform.”

That’s the new network engineer. And you can become that person faster than you think.

The Modern Network Engineer Stack: What You Actually Need

Here’s what the job market is demanding in 2025. Analysis of 200+ job postings for mid-level network engineer roles paying $110K+ shows these requirements in 70%+ of listings:

The Foundation (You Already Have This)

• Networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, switching, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, BGP, OSPF
• Cisco experience: IOS, NX-OS, configuration, troubleshooting
• Network security basics: Firewalls, ACLs, VPNs, network segmentation

Good news: Your Cisco background is still valuable. Networking fundamentals don’t change. The protocols you learned are universal.

The Evolution (What You Need to Add)

1. Cloud Networking (Critical)

• AWS: VPCs, subnets, route tables, security groups, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect
• Azure: VNETs, Network Security Groups, ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall
• GCP: VPC networks, Cloud Interconnect, Cloud NAT

You don’t need to master all three clouds. Pick AWS (it’s 33% market share) or Azure (if you’re in enterprise). Learn the networking services deeply.

Time investment: 3-4 months of hands-on practice to become proficient.

2. Network Automation (Non-Negotiable)

• Python for network automation (Netmiko, NAPALM, Paramiko)
• Ansible for configuration management
• Terraform for infrastructure as code
• Git for version control
• REST APIs and API-based network management

Michael’s story: CCNP-certified network engineer, 6 years experience, stuck at $78K. Spent 5 months learning Python and Ansible. Built 3 automation projects for his current employer (automated switch configs, backup scripts, compliance checks). Got promoted to senior network engineer at $105K. Eight months later, left for cloud network engineer role at AWS at $142K.

He told me: “I was terrified of coding. Turns out network automation isn’t hardcore programming. It’s writing scripts to do what I was already doing manually. Once I got past the fear, it clicked.”

Time investment: 4-6 months to become dangerous with Python and Ansible.

3. Software-Defined Networking (Growing Fast)

• Cisco ACI, NSX-T, or AWS Transit Gateway (pick one based on your target companies)
• SD-WAN platforms (Cisco Viptela, VMware VeloCloud, Fortinet)
• Understanding of SDN controllers and policy-based networking

Time investment: 2-3 months to understand SDN concepts and get hands-on with one platform.

4. Infrastructure as Code (The Game-Changer)

• Terraform for networking infrastructure
• CloudFormation (if AWS-focused) or ARM templates (Azure)
• Declarative configuration instead of procedural scripting

Why this matters: Companies want network changes version-controlled, peer-reviewed, and repeatable. IaC is how modern networks are built.

Time investment: 2-3 months to become proficient with Terraform.

The Total Investment: 12-18 Months

If you’re starting from traditional Cisco networking, expect 12-18 months to transform your skillset. That might sound like a lot, but compare it to:

• Going back for a 4-year degree: $80K and 4 years
• Pivoting to a completely new field: 2-3 years minimum
• Staying put: Watching your job options shrink and salary stagnate

You’re not starting from zero. Your networking foundation is 40% of what you need. You’re adding modern tooling on top of knowledge you already have.

Three Career Paths That Actually Work

Network engineers who evolve successfully tend to follow three distinct paths. Here’s what each looks like, who it’s for, and what it pays.

Path 1: Cloud Network Engineer

What you do: Design, implement, and manage network infrastructure in AWS, Azure, or GCP. You’re building VPCs, configuring transit gateways, setting up VPN connections, optimizing network performance, and troubleshooting connectivity issues across multi-cloud environments.

Who it’s for:

• You love networking and want to stay deep in networking
• You’re willing to learn cloud platforms and automation
• You prefer technical depth over breadth

Skills required:

• Strong networking fundamentals ✅ (you have this)
• AWS/Azure/GCP networking services (VPC, Transit Gateway, ExpressRoute, etc.)
• Terraform for infrastructure as code
• Python for automation scripts
• Network security (security groups, NACLs, firewall rules)

Salary range:

• Junior (0-2 years cloud): $95K-$120K
• Mid-level (2-5 years cloud): $120K-$155K
• Senior (5+ years cloud): $150K-$195K
• Principal/Staff: $180K-$240K

Certifications that help:

• AWS Advanced Networking Specialty (most valuable)
• Azure Network Engineer Associate (if Azure-focused)
• Cisco CCNP Enterprise or CCNP Security (validates foundation)

Career ceiling: Very high. Principal network engineers at large tech companies earn $200K-$300K base + equity.

Sarah’s story: CCNA, 4 years as network engineer at regional ISP earning $72K. Felt stuck as company wasn’t adopting cloud. Studied AWS networking for 4 months using A Cloud Guru and hands-on labs. Got AWS Solutions Architect Associate, then AWS Advanced Networking Specialty. Applied to 35 cloud network engineer roles. Got offer at healthcare tech company for $115K. Two years later, promoted to senior cloud network engineer at $148K.

She told me: “I was nervous I’d be competing with people who had CS degrees. But I realized I knew networking BETTER than most cloud engineers. I just needed to learn the AWS-specific implementation. Once I spoke their language, my networking expertise was an advantage.”

Path 2: Network Automation / DevOps Engineer

What you do: Build automation frameworks for network configuration, compliance, and monitoring. You’re writing Python scripts, Ansible playbooks, and CI/CD pipelines for network changes. You’re the bridge between traditional networking and DevOps practices.

Who it’s for:

• You’re frustrated by repetitive manual tasks
• You enjoy scripting and problem-solving through code
• You want to move toward DevOps culture
• You like the idea of infrastructure as code

Skills required:

• Networking fundamentals ✅
• Python (Netmiko, NAPALM, Ansible, APIs)
• Git and version control
• CI/CD concepts (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions)
• Linux command line
• Network APIs and data formats (YAML, JSON, NETCONF, RESTCONF)

Salary range:

• Junior automation engineer: $100K-$125K
• Mid-level: $125K-$160K
• Senior: $155K-$190K
• Staff/Principal: $180K-$230K

Certifications that help:

• Cisco DevNet Associate or Professional (network automation-focused)
• HashiCorp Terraform Associate
• Red Hat Ansible Automation

Career ceiling: High. You can transition fully to DevOps engineer or SRE roles, which have even higher ceilings ($150K-$250K+).

Kevin’s story: CCNP, 7 years as network engineer at healthcare org, $85K. Loved networking but hated manual configs. Started learning Python from “Automate the Boring Stuff” book. Built a script to backup all network device configs to Git. Management noticed.

Built second project: Ansible playbooks to standardize switch configurations across 200+ devices. Reduced configuration time from 3 days to 30 minutes. Built third project: Automated compliance checks using Python (checks for weak passwords, unauthorized VLANs, etc.).

Applied for Network Automation Engineer role at fintech company. Got offer for $135K. Two years later, transitioned to DevOps Engineer at $165K.

He told me: “I thought I’d have to leave networking behind to make more money. Turns out, network automation is hugely valuable because most network engineers DON’T want to learn it. I had a niche.”

Path 3: Hybrid Network + Security Engineer

What you do: Design and implement network security architecture. You’re combining traditional network engineering with security focus: firewalls, zero trust networking, microsegmentation, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), SD-WAN with integrated security.

Who it’s for:

• You’re interested in security but want to leverage networking background
• You understand that “network security” is becoming one discipline
• You want high job security (security roles are in massive demand)

Skills required:

• Strong networking fundamentals ✅
• Firewall management (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA/FTD)
• VPN technologies (IPsec, SSL VPN)
• Network access control (802.1X, NAC)
• Cloud security (AWS Security Groups, Azure NSG, GCP Firewall Rules)
• SASE and SD-WAN platforms
• Understanding of zero trust architecture

Salary range:

• Junior: $100K-$130K
• Mid-level: $130K-$170K
• Senior: $160K-$200K
• Security architect: $180K-$250K+

Certifications that help:

• CompTIA Security+ (entry point, shows security basics)
• Palo Alto Networks PCNSE (highly valued)
• Cisco CCNP Security
• (ISC)² CISSP (for senior roles, shows security breadth)

Career ceiling: Extremely high. Security architects and CISOs earn $200K-$400K+. Cybersecurity demand is relentless.

Daniel’s story: CCNA, 5 years network engineer at manufacturing company, $76K. Company got hit with ransomware. Daniel worked closely with incident response team. Realized network security was the future.

Got CompTIA Security+ in 3 months. Started focusing on firewall management and network segmentation. Got Palo Alto PCNSA (associate cert). Built security project: microsegmentation design to isolate production networks from corporate.

Applied for Network Security Engineer roles. Got offer at cybersecurity firm for $118K. Three years later, promoted to Senior Network Security Engineer at $157K.

He told me: “Networking + Security is the perfect combo. Not many people have both. Companies are desperate for engineers who understand how data flows AND how to secure it.”

The Salary Reality: What Modern Network Engineers Actually Earn

Let me show you real salary data from my network (verified through LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and direct conversations).

Traditional Network Engineer (On-Prem Only)

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $55K-$75K
• Mid-level (3-6 years): $70K-$95K
• Senior (7+ years): $90K-$120K
• Principal: $110K-$140K

Cloud Network Engineer

• Entry-level: $95K-$120K (40-60% jump)
• Mid-level: $120K-$155K
• Senior: $150K-$195K
• Principal: $180K-$240K

Network Automation Engineer

• Entry-level: $100K-$125K
• Mid-level: $125K-$160K
• Senior: $155K-$190K
• Staff: $180K-$230K

Network Security Engineer

• Entry-level: $100K-$130K
• Mid-level: $130K-$170K
• Senior: $160K-$200K
• Architect: $180K-$250K+

Geographic multipliers:

• San Francisco/San Jose: +35-50%
• New York/Seattle: +25-40%
• Austin/Denver/Boston: +15-25%
• Atlanta/Dallas/Phoenix: +5-15%
• Remote roles: Typically -10% to -20% vs. high-COL cities, but still above on-prem averages

The bottom line: Evolving from traditional to modern network engineering can increase your earning potential by $40K-$80K within 2-3 years.

I watched Jason go from $74K as a traditional network engineer to $152K as a senior cloud network engineer in 4 years. Not through luck. Through strategic upskilling and 2 job changes.

Your 12-Month Transformation Plan

Here’s the path that works for most network engineers, based on repeatable outcomes across many transitions.

Months 1-4: Build Cloud Networking Foundation

Goal: Understand how networking works in the cloud.

Actions:

• Get AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification (or Azure AZ-104 if Azure-focused)
• Focus heavily on networking modules: VPC, subnets, routing tables, security groups, NACLs, VPN, Direct Connect
• Build 5 hands-on labs:
  • Multi-tier VPC with public/private subnets
  • VPC peering across regions
  • Site-to-site VPN from on-prem to AWS
  • Transit Gateway connecting multiple VPCs
  • Hybrid DNS setup (Route 53 + on-prem DNS)

Time commitment: 10-15 hours/week

Cost: $150 exam fee + $50-100 for learning resources

Outcome: You can speak cloud networking fluently and understand how your Cisco skills translate to AWS.

Months 5-8: Add Automation Skills

Goal: Automate network tasks with Python and Ansible.

Actions:

• Complete “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” (first 10 chapters)
• Learn Netmiko library for network device automation
• Build 3 automation projects:
  • Python script to backup configs from all network devices to Git
  • Ansible playbook to deploy standardized switch configurations
  • Python + Netmiko script to audit network devices for compliance (check for weak passwords, insecure protocols, etc.)
• Learn basic Git (version control for your scripts)

Time commitment: 10-12 hours/week

Cost: $0 (all free resources)

Outcome: You have 3 portfolio projects demonstrating network automation skills.

Months 9-12: Add Infrastructure as Code

Goal: Deploy network infrastructure with Terraform.

Actions:

• Complete HashiCorp Terraform Associate certification
• Learn to deploy AWS networking with Terraform:
  • VPCs, subnets, route tables
  • Security groups and NACLs
  • VPN connections
  • Transit Gateways
• Build 2 IaC projects:
  • Terraform modules for standardized VPC deployment
  • Complete multi-account AWS network architecture as code

Time commitment: 8-10 hours/week

Cost: $70 exam fee (optional, but helps)

Outcome: You can deploy and manage cloud networks using infrastructure as code.

Month 12: Update Resume and Start Applying

Goal: Land cloud network engineer or network automation engineer role.

Actions:

• Update LinkedIn with new skills
• Rewrite resume with cloud networking and automation focus
• Create GitHub portfolio with your automation scripts and Terraform modules
• Apply to 30-50 cloud network engineer roles
• Target salary: $110K-$135K (depending on location and years of experience)

Expected outcome: 5-10 phone screens, 2-4 on-site interviews, 1-2 offers.

Most candidates following this plan land offers in months 12-15 (including the job search time).

Common Mistakes Network Engineers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

These mistakes kill career momentum. Don’t do them:

Mistake #1: “I’ll Wait Until My Company Adopts Cloud”

Your company might never adopt cloud. Or they’ll wait 3 years while you stagnate. Or they’ll hire external cloud engineers instead of training you.

Don’t wait. Learn cloud on your own timeline. Build skills outside work hours. When your company finally moves, you’ll be the internal expert. If they don’t move, you’ll be qualified for roles elsewhere.

Marcus waited 4 years for his company to “go cloud.” They finally migrated—and hired external AWS consultants instead of training the existing network team. Marcus was stuck at $81K while cloud network engineers were making $130K. He finally left at age 42 and had to start his cloud learning from scratch.

Mistake #2: Only Learning GUI/Console Tools (No Code)

If you only learn to click through AWS console or run Ansible playbooks others wrote, you won’t command high salaries. You’ll be a button-pusher, not an engineer.

Learn to write code. Start with Python. Move to Ansible playbooks. Then infrastructure as code. You don’t need to be a software developer. But you need to be comfortable writing and modifying scripts.

The line between “engineer” and “technician” in 2025: Engineers write and modify automation. Technicians run scripts others wrote.

Mistake #3: Collecting Certifications Without Building Real Skills

Hiring managers see through resumes with six certifications but zero GitHub repos, zero automation projects, and zero hands-on experience.

Certifications prove you studied. Projects prove you can build.

For every certification, build 2-3 projects that use those skills. That’s what gets you hired.

Mistake #4: Trying to Learn Everything (AWS, Azure, GCP, Python, Ansible, Terraform, Kubernetes) Simultaneously

You’ll burn out and master nothing.

Pick a stack:

• Stack A (Cloud-focused): AWS + Python + Terraform → Cloud Network Engineer
• Stack B (Automation-focused): Python + Ansible + Git + Cisco DevNet → Network Automation Engineer
• Stack C (Security-focused): Palo Alto + Cloud Security + Zero Trust → Network Security Engineer

Master ONE stack in 12-18 months. Then expand.

Week 1 Action Plan: Start Your Transformation Today

Stop debating whether to evolve. Start taking action.

Day 1: Career Assessment (30 min)

• Which path resonates most: Cloud, Automation, or Security?
• What’s your current salary vs. target salary?
• How much time can you dedicate per week? (Minimum 8-10 hours)

Day 2: Set Up Learning Environment (1 hour)

• Create free AWS account (12 months free tier)
• Install Python and VS Code on your computer
• Create GitHub account
• Join r/networking and r/aws subreddits

Day 3: Start Cloud Learning (2 hours)

• Enroll in AWS Solutions Architect Associate course (A Cloud Guru, Adrian Cantrill, Stephane Maarek)
• Watch first 3 modules on VPCs and networking
• Launch your first EC2 instance in AWS

Day 4: Build First Cloud Lab (2 hours)

• Create a custom VPC with public and private subnets
• Set up route tables and internet gateway
• Deploy EC2 instances in both subnets
• Test connectivity

Day 5: Start Python Learning (2 hours)

• Start “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python”
• Complete Chapters 0-2 (Python basics)
• Write your first “Hello World” Python script

Day 6: Research Target Roles (1 hour)

• Search LinkedIn for “Cloud Network Engineer” in your city
• Find 10 job postings
• Note required skills, salary ranges, companies hiring
• Save interesting roles to track

Day 7: Create Accountability System (1 hour)

• Set specific goals for next 3 months
• Schedule weekly learning blocks on calendar (treat like meetings)
• Join “r/ITCareerQuestions” or find accountability partner
• Commit to your transformation

The Real Question Isn’t “Is Network Engineering Relevant?”

It’s “Are You Going to Evolve or Get Left Behind?”

Network engineering isn’t dying. It’s splitting into two groups:

Group 1: Traditional network engineers who resist change, stay Cisco-only, avoid automation, and watch their job opportunities shrink and salaries stagnate.

Group 2: Modern network engineers who embrace cloud, learn automation, add new skills, and see their career opportunities explode.

Across teams, the first group complains about H-1B visas, offshoring, and “kids with no experience getting cloud jobs.” The second group gets promoted, changes jobs for 40% raises, and builds exciting careers.

The skills you have—networking fundamentals, troubleshooting, understanding how data flows—are MORE valuable than ever. Companies are desperate for people who understand networking AND modern tooling.

You’re not starting over. You’re evolving.