Rise to your next network level.
Design resilient networks to $160K+
The proven 4-stage Rise framework tailored for network engineers—from CCNA to CCIE and architect roles. Exact certifications, labs, and projects that get you hired.
What Network Engineering Is & Why It Matters
Network Engineers are the architects of connectivity. You design, build, and maintain the networks that connect everything—from users to applications, offices to data centers, on-premise to cloud.
When a company opens a new office, when applications need faster connectivity, when security requires network segmentation, when SD-WAN replaces MPLS—you're the specialist who makes it happen. You're not just maintaining networks; you're designing the highways of digital communication.
Why companies critically need Network Engineers: Every business depends on reliable, fast, secure connectivity. Without skilled network engineers, applications slow down, users can't access resources, security breaches happen through network vulnerabilities, and business operations suffer. The network is the foundation that everything else runs on.
What makes Network Engineering unique: It's a specialized discipline requiring deep technical knowledge. You work with routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and VPNs. You understand protocols, traffic flows, and network design principles. It's a mix of engineering precision and creative problem-solving. From here, you can specialize into security, cloud networking, or enterprise architecture.
Why it's a powerful long-term career: Networks are the backbone of modern business. As companies adopt cloud, SD-WAN, zero-trust architectures, and hybrid environments, the need for skilled network engineers grows. Expert network engineers command $120K-$160K+ salaries, and the skills are transferable across industries and technologies.
Key Facts
- Specialized high-value role
- Strong earning potential
- Clear certification path (Cisco)
- Remote work increasingly common
- Gateway to security & cloud
- Excellent job security
Is Network Engineering Right For You?
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy understanding how data flows and systems connect
- You like designing infrastructure and solving connectivity problems
- You're detail-oriented and methodical in troubleshooting
- You want to specialize in a high-demand technical discipline
- You're fascinated by protocols, routing, and network architecture
- You enjoy working with routers, switches, and firewalls
- You want a career where expertise commands premium salaries
- You're comfortable with complex technical concepts and continuous learning
Not ideal for you if:
- You prefer broad generalist IT work (consider System Administration)
- You prefer working exclusively with users (consider IT Support)
- You want to focus purely on cloud without networking (consider Cloud Engineering)
- You dislike working with hardware and physical infrastructure
- You prefer rapid change over stable, carefully planned implementations
Network Engineer Salary Progression
Your earning potential at each career stage
| Level | Role Title | Typical Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RISE START | Network Technician / Junior Network Engineer | $60K - $75K | Entry-level, learning fundamentals, CCNA-level work |
| RISE GROW | Network Engineer | $75K - $105K | After 1-3 years, independent network design and implementation |
| RISE MASTERY | Senior Network Engineer / Network Architect | $105K - $140K | 3-5 years, complex designs, multi-site architectures |
| RISE LEADERSHIP | Principal Network Architect / Network Engineering Manager | $140K - $160K+ | Enterprise architecture, strategic planning, team leadership |
Salaries vary by location, company size, and specialization. Tech hubs and finance/healthcare sectors typically pay 25-40% more. CCNP/CCIE certifications command significant premiums.
Your Network Engineering Career Roadmap
Four stages from beginner to leadership
RISE START
Entry-Level Foundation (6-12 months)
Core Skills
- Networking fundamentals (OSI model, TCP/IP, subnetting)
- Routing basics (static routing, RIP, OSPF fundamentals)
- Switching fundamentals (VLANs, trunking, STP)
- IP addressing and subnetting mastery
- Basic network security (ACLs, basic firewall concepts)
- Network troubleshooting methodology
- CLI configuration (Cisco IOS basics)
- Network documentation and diagramming
Certifications
CompTIA Network+
$358 (exam fees)
Vendor-neutral networking fundamentals. Great foundation before Cisco certifications.
Cisco CCNA (200-301)
$300 (exam)
The gold standard entry-level networking certification. Essential for any network engineer.
Juniper JNCIA-Junos
$200 (exam)
Optional: Juniper fundamentals for companies using Juniper equipment.
Top 3 Courses for RISE START
Hand-picked from 1,000+ courses. These 3 give you the exact skills to reach $80K-$110K.
Engagement Management for CompTIA Pentest+
Why This Course?
Landing your first role requires demonstrating real skills, not just theory. Ricardo Reimao's 1h 19m course gives you hands-on experience with Exam objectives: PT0-003. This is the practical knowledge that separates candidates who get interviews from those who don't. Invest just a few hours to build portfolio-worthy skills that recruiters actively search for.
Network Implementation for CompTIA Network+
Why This Course?
Landing your first role requires demonstrating real skills, not just theory. Ross Bagurdes's 1h 15m course gives you hands-on experience with Exam objectives: N10-009. This is the practical knowledge that separates candidates who get interviews from those who don't. Invest just a few hours to build portfolio-worthy skills that recruiters actively search for.
Networking Concepts: Network and Security Appliances for CompTIA Network+
Why This Course?
Landing your first role requires demonstrating real skills, not just theory. Ross Bagurdes's 55m course gives you hands-on experience with Exam objectives: Certification — Network and Security Appliances for CompTIA Network+. This is the practical knowledge that separates candidates who get interviews from those who don't. Invest under an hour to build portfolio-worthy skills that recruiters actively search for.
All courses from our curated library for this RISE level.
Projects & Labs
- Build a home lab with GNS3 or Packet Tracer (Cisco simulators)
- Configure a multi-VLAN network with inter-VLAN routing
- Set up OSPF routing between multiple routers
- Implement basic ACLs for network security
- Troubleshoot common connectivity issues in simulated environments
- Document network topologies and configurations
A Day in My Life: RISE START
8:00 AM: You arrive and check network monitoring dashboards. One switch is showing high CPU utilization. You escalate it to the senior engineer and monitor.
9:30 AM: A ticket comes in—a new office needs network connectivity for 20 users. You work with your senior to design the VLAN structure, IP addressing scheme, and switch configuration.
11:00 AM: You're in the server room, physically installing and cabling switches. You label everything carefully, take photos, update the documentation.
1:00 PM: Lunch. You watch a CCNA study video on OSPF. The exam is in two weeks.
2:30 PM: You configure the new switches—VLANs, trunks, access ports. You follow the runbook your senior created. Everything works on the first try. That feels good.
4:00 PM: A user reports slow network connectivity. You check their switch port, run a ping test, check utilization. You find a duplex mismatch. You fix it. User is happy.
5:00 PM: You update the network documentation with today's changes. Small steps, but you're learning every day.
Common Challenges
- Steep learning curve: Networking concepts are abstract and complex at first
- Lab access: Building home labs or getting hands-on practice can be challenging
- CCNA difficulty: The exam is comprehensive and requires serious study (200+ hours)
- Confidence: Fear of breaking production networks while learning
RISE GROW
Junior to Intermediate (1-3 years)
Skills to Develop
- Advanced routing (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP fundamentals)
- Advanced switching (RSTP, VTP, EtherChannel, stacking)
- Network security (firewalls, VPNs, IPSec, SSL VPN)
- Wireless networking (WLAN controllers, AP configuration)
- WAN technologies (MPLS, SD-WAN concepts)
- Network monitoring and troubleshooting tools
- Network automation basics (Python, Ansible for networking)
- Load balancing and high availability
- Quality of Service (QoS) implementation
Certifications
Cisco CCNP Enterprise
$400 per exam (2 exams)
Professional-level Cisco certification. Demonstrates advanced enterprise networking skills.
Fortinet NSE 4 (FortiGate)
$400 (exam)
Firewall expertise—highly valued as security and networking converge.
Palo Alto PCNSA
$200 (exam)
Next-gen firewall skills for companies using Palo Alto Networks.
Top 3 Courses for RISE GROW
Hand-picked from 1,000+ courses. These 3 give you the exact skills to reach $110K-$145K.
Cisco Enterprise Networks: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Solution
Why This Course?
Most professionals struggle with getting promoted beyond junior level. Sean Wilkins distills Exam objectives: ENCOR 350-401 — Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Solution into 5h 33m of actionable content—the exact skills that separate $80K-$110K roles from $110K-$145K positions. This isn't theory you'll forget; it's career-advancing knowledge you'll use immediately.
Cisco Enterprise Networks: Cisco SDA Solution
Why This Course?
Most professionals struggle with getting promoted beyond junior level. Sean Wilkins distills Exam objectives: ENCOR 350-401 — Cisco SDA Solution into 1h 19m of actionable content—the exact skills that separate $80K-$110K roles from $110K-$145K positions. This isn't theory you'll forget; it's career-advancing knowledge you'll use immediately.
Cisco Enterprise Networks: Multicast Concepts
Why This Course?
Most professionals struggle with getting promoted beyond junior level. Leigh Bogardis distills Exam objectives: ENCOR 350-401 — Multicast Concepts into 1h 37m of actionable content—the exact skills that separate $80K-$110K roles from $110K-$145K positions. This isn't theory you'll forget; it's career-advancing knowledge you'll use immediately.
All courses from our curated library for this RISE level.
Projects
- Design and implement a multi-site network with WAN connectivity
- Configure site-to-site VPN between office locations
- Implement network segmentation for security compliance
- Deploy and configure a wireless network with multiple APs
- Set up network monitoring with SNMP and syslog
- Automate network configuration changes with Python scripts
A Day in My Life: RISE GROW
You're trusted now. This morning, you're leading the implementation of a new site-to-site VPN between headquarters and a remote office.
You've designed the solution: IPSec VPN with redundant tunnels for high availability. You've documented the IP addressing, routing, and firewall rules. Today, you execute.
By 11 AM, the primary tunnel is up. Traffic is flowing. You test failover—works perfectly. You document everything, update the network diagrams, and schedule a knowledge transfer session with the junior engineer.
After lunch, a critical issue: BGP peering is down with your ISP. You troubleshoot methodically—check interfaces, verify BGP config, review logs. You find it: a typo in the neighbor statement. You fix it. BGP converges. Crisis averted.
By end of day, you've not only delivered your project but also solved a production issue. This is what growth looks like—capability and confidence increasing together.
Challenges at This Stage
- Production pressure: You're working on live networks—mistakes have consequences
- Complex troubleshooting: Issues span multiple technologies and vendors
- CCNP difficulty: Professional-level certifications require 300+ study hours
- Technology sprawl: Learning routing, switching, security, wireless, automation simultaneously
RISE MASTERY
Senior Specialist (3-5 years)
Advanced Skills
- Enterprise network architecture and design
- Advanced BGP (route manipulation, policy routing)
- SD-WAN design and implementation
- Network automation and programmability (Python, Ansible, Terraform)
- Data center networking (Nexus, ACI, spine-leaf architectures)
- Zero-trust network architectures
- Advanced security (microsegmentation, network detection and response)
- Cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure vNet, hybrid connectivity)
- Performance optimization and capacity planning
Professional Certifications
Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
$1,600 (written) + $1,600 (lab)
The pinnacle of networking certifications. Expert-level mastery of enterprise networking.
AWS Advanced Networking Specialty
$300 (exam)
Cloud networking expertise for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Cisco SD-WAN (CCNP or CCIE level)
$400+ (exam)
Modern WAN transformation skills—highly in-demand.
Top 3 Courses for RISE MASTERY
Hand-picked from 1,000+ courses. These 3 give you the exact skills to reach $145K-$180K+.
Automating BGP Routing Security with gRPC, gNMI, and Certificates
Why This Course?
You're technically strong, but advancing to senior roles requires Exam objectives: Certification. David Tucker's 1h 7m course teaches the frameworks used at top tech companies. Master these patterns and you'll command $145K-$180K+ salaries. Only a fraction of engineers reach this level—make yourself one of them.
Cisco Enterprise Networks: Cisco Software Defined Access Solution
Why This Course?
You're technically strong, but advancing to senior roles requires Exam objectives: ENCOR 350-401 — Cisco Software Defined Access Solution. Sean Wilkins's 3h 57m course teaches the frameworks used at top tech companies. Master these patterns and you'll command $145K-$180K+ salaries. Only a fraction of engineers reach this level—make yourself one of them.
Cisco Enterprise Networks: Network Automation
Why This Course?
You're technically strong, but advancing to senior roles requires Exam objectives: Certification — Network Automation. Unknown's N/A course teaches the frameworks used at top tech companies. Master these patterns and you'll command $145K-$180K+ salaries. Only a fraction of engineers reach this level—make yourself one of them.
All courses from our curated library for this RISE level.
Senior-Level Projects
- Design a complete enterprise network from scratch
- Lead a data center network migration to spine-leaf architecture
- Implement SD-WAN replacing legacy MPLS infrastructure
- Architect zero-trust network segmentation for security compliance
- Build network automation frameworks with Python and Ansible
- Design hybrid cloud connectivity architecture
A Day in My Life: RISE MASTERY
You arrive at 8 AM to a critical alert—an entire data center site is experiencing packet loss. Junior engineers tried troubleshooting but are stuck.
You dive deep. Analyze traffic patterns, review BGP routes, check spine-leaf fabric health. You identify the issue: an asymmetric routing problem caused by a recent firewall rule change. You implement a fix, verify traffic flow normalizes, document the root cause. Down time: 45 minutes. Excellent response.
The rest of your morning is spent in architecture reviews. The company is expanding to Asia-Pacific. You're designing the WAN architecture—SD-WAN with multiple ISPs, optimized traffic routing, and failover strategies. Your designs will support 5,000 users and $100M in revenue. The weight of that responsibility is real, but you're ready.
After lunch, you mentor a junior engineer preparing for CCNA. You remember being in their shoes. You pair-troubleshoot a VLAN issue together, showing them your methodology. Teaching reinforces your own knowledge.
At 4 PM, you join the executive meeting to present the network roadmap for next year. $3M in capital expenditure for SD-WAN transformation. You justify every decision with business impact: reduced costs, improved performance, better security. They approve. Your expertise built that trust.
Challenges
- You're the last escalation point: When everything fails, they call you
- High-stakes decisions: Your architectural choices impact the entire business
- Rapid technology change: SD-WAN, cloud networking, automation—staying current is demanding
- CCIE pursuit: If pursuing CCIE, it requires 12-18 months of intense study
RISE LEADERSHIP
Architecture & Management (5+ years)
Leadership Skills
- Enterprise network architecture strategy
- Team leadership and people management
- Budget planning and ROI analysis
- Vendor management and contract negotiation
- Stakeholder communication and executive presentations
- Network transformation roadmap development
- Risk assessment and compliance management
- Change management for network initiatives
- Building and scaling network engineering teams
Leadership Certifications
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
$3,200 (total)
The highest level of networking expertise. Opens doors to principal architect roles.
TOGAF (Enterprise Architecture)
$500+ (certification path)
Strategic architecture frameworks for enterprise-level planning.
PMP (Project Management Professional)
$555 (exam)
Project management skills for leading large network transformation projects.
Top 3 Courses for RISE LEADERSHIP
Hand-picked from 1,000+ courses. These 3 give you the exact skills to reach $170K-$230K+.
AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty (ANS-C01): Network Design
Why This Course?
Technical excellence isn't enough at the leadership level—you need Exam objectives: ANS-C01 — Network Design. Ned Bellavance shows you how to drive strategic impact in 5h 38m. This is the knowledge that separates $145K-$180K+ senior engineers from $170K-$230K+ technical leaders who shape engineering culture.
Cisco Enterprise Networks: IPv6 Routing
Why This Course?
Technical excellence isn't enough at the leadership level—you need Exam objectives: ENCOR 350-401 — IPv6 Routing. Nic Bhasin shows you how to drive strategic impact in 1h 56m. This is the knowledge that separates $145K-$180K+ senior engineers from $170K-$230K+ technical leaders who shape engineering culture.
Cisco Enterprise Networks: Network Architecture and SDN
Why This Course?
Technical excellence isn't enough at the leadership level—you need Exam objectives: ENCOR 350-401 — Network Architecture and SDN. Sean Douglas shows you how to drive strategic impact in 1h 27m. This is the knowledge that separates $145K-$180K+ senior engineers from $170K-$230K+ technical leaders who shape engineering culture.
All courses from our curated library for this RISE level.
Leadership Projects
- Design enterprise-wide network transformation strategy
- Lead multi-million dollar SD-WAN or data center projects
- Build and scale network engineering teams from 5 to 20+ engineers
- Establish network architecture standards and governance
- Negotiate multi-year contracts with Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto
- Present network strategy to board and C-level executives
A Day in My Life: RISE LEADERSHIP
You're no longer in the CLI. You're in the boardroom.
Morning: You start by reviewing network KPIs with your team of 12 engineers. Uptime is 99.95%—good, but a recent BGP flap caused a brief outage. You schedule a postmortem, not to blame, but to learn and improve.
Mid-morning: A strategy meeting with the CIO and CFO. The company is planning a major acquisition—acquiring a company with 50 offices and completely different network infrastructure. You outline a 12-month integration plan: assessment, design, migration, optimization. Budget: $5M. Timeline: aggressive but achievable. They trust your judgment.
Afternoon: You're interviewing candidates for a Senior Network Engineer position. You're not just assessing CCNP knowledge—you're evaluating problem-solving, communication, and growth potential. You hire people who will challenge you and drive the team forward.
Late afternoon: A major incident escalates—a routing loop is causing network-wide latency. Your team is working it, but progress is slow. You don't take over the keyboard. You provide guidance, coordinate with vendors, and communicate status to stakeholders. Your senior engineer resolves it. That's what good leadership looks like.
Evening: You review performance assessments for your team. Two engineers are ready for promotion to senior roles. One needs coaching on communication skills. These conversations shape careers. That's the responsibility—and privilege—of leadership.
Leadership Challenges
- Less hands-on technical work: You miss configuring routers and troubleshooting BGP
- People management complexity: Hiring, firing, conflict resolution, team dynamics
- Accountability for everything: Every outage, every security incident—it's on you
- Political navigation: Budget battles, competing priorities, stakeholder management
Network Engineer Certifications Roadmap
Your certification path from beginner to expert
Beginner
- CompTIA Network+ - Vendor-neutral foundations
- Cisco CCNA - Essential Cisco networking
- Juniper JNCIA - Juniper fundamentals
Associate
- Cisco CCNP Enterprise - Professional routing/switching
- Fortinet NSE 4 - Firewall security
- Palo Alto PCNSA - Next-gen firewalls
Professional
- Cisco CCIE Enterprise - Expert-level mastery
- AWS Advanced Networking - Cloud networking
- Cisco SD-WAN - Modern WAN transformation
Expert
- CCIE (Multiple tracks) - Multi-domain expertise
- TOGAF - Enterprise architecture
- PMP - Project management
Real Challenges in Network Engineering
What no one tells you (but we will)
Steep Learning Curve
Network engineering has one of the steepest learning curves in IT. Routing protocols, network design, and troubleshooting complex connectivity issues require deep technical knowledge and hundreds of hours of study and practice.
On-Call and Maintenance Windows
Network changes often happen during maintenance windows—nights and weekends. On-call rotation is common. When the network goes down, business stops, and you're the one who fixes it. Work-life balance requires intentional boundaries.
High-Pressure Incidents
When the network fails, the entire business can't function. Everyone is watching you troubleshoot under extreme time pressure. Learning to stay calm when hundreds of users are offline is a skill developed over years.
Rapid Technology Evolution
SD-WAN is replacing MPLS. Cloud networking is changing WAN design. Network automation is becoming essential. Zero-trust is reshaping security. Continuous learning isn't optional—it's the job.
Multi-Vendor Complexity
You'll work with Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Arista, and more—each with different CLIs, architectures, and best practices. Mastering multiple vendors takes years of hands-on experience.
Zero Tolerance for Mistakes
A typo in a BGP configuration can take down the entire network. A misconfigured ACL can create a security hole. The network is critical infrastructure—mistakes have serious consequences. Attention to detail is non-negotiable.
Why we share this: Network engineering is challenging but rewarding. Understanding these challenges helps you prepare mentally and decide if this specialized, high-stakes career aligns with your personality and goals.
Essential Network Engineer Skills
Technical and soft skills you'll need to master
Technical Skills
- Routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP)
- Switching (VLANs, STP, EtherChannel, VSS/vPC)
- Network security (firewalls, VPNs, ACLs, NAT)
- Wireless networking (WLCs, APs, RF design)
- WAN technologies (MPLS, SD-WAN, internet circuits)
- Data center networking (spine-leaf, ACI, Nexus)
- Cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure vNet, hybrid)
- Network automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform)
- Monitoring and troubleshooting (Wireshark, SNMP, NetFlow)
Soft Skills
- Methodical troubleshooting under pressure
- Extreme attention to detail
- Clear technical documentation
- Communication with non-technical stakeholders
- Risk assessment and change management
- Project planning and execution
- Team collaboration across IT disciplines
- Continuous learning and adaptability
Tools You'll Use
- Cisco IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS (command-line interfaces)
- GNS3, EVE-NG, Packet Tracer (lab simulation)
- Wireshark (packet capture and analysis)
- Python, Ansible (network automation)
- SolarWinds, PRTG (network monitoring)
- Splunk, ELK Stack (log analysis)
- Visio, Lucidchart (network diagramming)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a Network Engineer?
Not necessarily, but it helps. Many employers prefer a bachelor's in Computer Science or IT, but strong certifications (CCNA, CCNP) combined with hands-on experience can often substitute. The CCNA alone opens doors to entry-level network roles.
Is Cisco CCNA still relevant in 2025?
Absolutely. CCNA remains the gold standard entry-level networking certification. While the industry has evolved (cloud, SD-WAN, automation), fundamental networking concepts—routing, switching, IP addressing—are timeless. CCNA teaches these foundations better than any other cert.
Should I pursue CCIE certification?
It depends on your goals. CCIE is the pinnacle of networking certifications and commands respect and premium salaries. However, it requires 12-18 months of intense study and $3,200 in exam fees. Pursue it if you want to be recognized as a top-tier expert or work for elite companies.
Is network engineering being replaced by cloud?
No—it's evolving. Cloud hasn't eliminated network engineers; it's changed what they do. Modern network engineers manage hybrid architectures, SD-WAN, cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure vNet), and network automation. Demand remains strong for skilled network professionals.
How long does it take to become job-ready?
With focused study, 6-12 months is realistic for entry-level roles. Study for CCNA (3-6 months, 200+ hours), build lab experience with GNS3 or Packet Tracer, and apply for junior network engineer or network technician roles. Many people land jobs before passing CCNA if they can demonstrate knowledge.
Can I work remotely as a Network Engineer?
Increasingly, yes. Many companies now offer remote or hybrid network engineering roles, especially with modern remote management tools and cloud networking. However, some roles (especially data center focused) may require on-site presence for physical hardware work.
What's the difference between Network Engineer and Network Administrator?
Network Engineers typically focus on design, implementation, and strategic projects (e.g., designing a new WAN architecture). Network Administrators focus more on maintenance, monitoring, and day-to-day operations. In practice, the titles often overlap, especially in smaller companies.
How much on-call work is involved?
It varies significantly by company and role. Enterprise environments typically have rotating on-call schedules (1 week per month is common). Some companies compensate with extra pay or time off. Establish clear expectations during interviews and negotiate compensation for on-call duties.
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