Network Engineer

Network Managers play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of an organisation's network infrastructure, which is vital in our increasingly digital world. By overseeing network performance and security, they empower businesses to communicate effectively, innovate, and thrive in the global market.

Network Engineer

28

Computer Science

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO28%moving to60%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £36,000
RELATIONAL MOATPeople want a real person for this. That preference is the protection.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and people want a real person for this. That preference is the protection. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Network EngineerIn this entry-level role, you will assist in the setup and maintenance of network systems, gaining hands-on experience while learning from senior engineers.£30,000 - £36,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Network EngineerAs a mid-level engineer, you will take on more complex projects, lead troubleshooting efforts, and mentor junior staff.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Network Engineer/Network ArchitectIn this peak role, you will design large-scale network solutions, oversee major projects, and contribute to strategic planning for network infrastructure.£70,000+
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Careermash

Careermash: navigate your career path with real data. Explore career profiles, salary benchmarks, AI impact forecasts, and the qualifications you need to get there.


AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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