How much does a network technician make?

In the US, pay can vary with experience, useful IT certifications, the employer, and the local job market. Skills in areas like network security or cloud systems, and jobs that need night or weekend coverage, can also make roles and pay differ.

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. Excludes “Computer Network Architects” (15-1241) and “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” (15-1244).

What's a typical day like?

They check network-monitoring screens, test routers and connections, back up data, and do routine maintenance. When users lose access, they trace the fault, help by phone or in person, fix it, and record the work.

In the US, many network technicians earn an associate degree in IT or networking; some qualify after high school with relevant IT certificates. Employers may ask for product certificates, and a registered cloud-support apprenticeship is another route.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out.

Network technicians may back up network data and report attempted cyber break-ins—not just fix connections.